INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF WAR CRIMES

Abstract

Abstract. The article addresses the criminal-legal and forensic content of investigating a socially dangerous act stipulated in Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine “War Crimes.” Based on the blanket provision of the above-mentioned article of the CC of Ukraine, it is established that, for a comprehensive and objective analysis of the elements of a criminal offense, it is necessary to correlate the committed socially dangerous act with the characteristics provided by the norms of international humanitarian law within the framework of various forms of violations of the laws and customs of war. It is determined that the correctness of the criminal-legal qualification, and consequently the evaluation of the actions of the person accused of committing the mentioned criminal offense, and the subsequent prosecution of the said person, is inextricably linked to the analysis of international humanitarian law provisions, international treaties, conventions, etc., which are designed to regulate the interpretation of war crimes. The article is devoted to the problems faced by law enforcement agencies during the investigation of offenses stipulated in Article 438 of the CC of Ukraine. It is established that an urgent problem impeding effective investigation of war crimes is the active hostilities in the locations where the crimes are committed. The need to improve the qualifications (acquisition of forensic knowledge) of authorized competent persons (specialists), who will ensure effective investigation of criminal proceedings related to violations of the laws and customs of war, is emphasized. It is also stressed that human rights, in particular those related to national security, are subject to protection and safeguarding regardless of the operation of special legal regimes.

 

Keywords: human rights; international crime; criminal proceedings; forensic knowledge; martial law; war crimes.

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Author Biography

Oleksandr ZHOVTIUK

Head of the International Cooperation Unit of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

Kyiv, Ukraine

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Published
2025-10-08
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