PROJEKTOR NGO Launches a Project to Strengthen Access to Justice For LGBTIQ+ Victims in the Conditions of Armed Conflict

Within the framework of the grant issued by EU Project Pravo-Justice, implemented by Expertise France, PROJEKTOR NGO is launching a human rights initiative aimed at improving the mechanisms for investigating, documenting, and prosecuting international crimes committed on the basis of prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), rapes, and any other sexual assaults or acts related to the conflict (CRSV).

In particular, the project provides for:

• development of practical recommendations and reference materials for investigating bodies and prosecutors on working with victims, who are members of the LGBTIQ+ community, in accordance with international standards;
• conducting specialised trainings on trauma-informed and non-discriminatory approach to interviewing victims;
• ensuring the admissibility of evidence for national and international prosecution.

In addition, the initiative provides for strengthening intersectoral cooperation between law enforcement agencies, civil society and international partners, as well as raising awareness of the vulnerabilities of the LGBTIQ+ in conflict situations among justice sector professionals.

“We strive to ensure that no victim is left outside the justice system. This project is a response to the real challenges of war, aimed at creating a non-discriminatory system where LGBTIQ+ rights are protected in the same way as anyone else’s,” said Vitalii Matvieiev, Chairman of the Board of PROJEKTOR NGO.

“During war, crimes against the LGBTIQ+ community often remain in the shadows: CRSV, torture, persecution, deprivation of liberty – all this happens, but, unfortunately, is rarely recorded. Fear of stigmatisation, lack of trust in government structures, and gaps in the justice system make these crimes invisible and unpunished. In the meantime, empowering the LGBTIQ+ community is one of Ukraine’s obligations on its path to the European Union. That is why the partnership with PROJECTOR NGO is so valuable for us, since all victims, without exception, have the right to seek protection, restoration of justice, and accountability of the perpetrators, since these are the foundations of the rule of law,” emphasised Anna Stakhanova, Key Expert on Fight Against International Crimes at EU Project Pravo-Justice.

Background

PROJECTOR NGO is a human rights organisation working to protect human rights, combat discrimination, and ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable groups, including representatives of the LGBTIQ+ community. The organisation provides legal advice and legal support, represents the interests of victims in law enforcement agencies and courts, develops recommendations for changing discriminatory norms, and is engaged in advocacy and monitoring of human rights violations.

PROJEKTOR NGO is actively working on harmonising Ukrainian legislation with international standards in the field of human rights and provides expertise for law enforcement practice.

EU Project Pravo-Justice is a technical assistance project implemented by Expertise France with financial support of the European Union.

After the victory of the Revolution of Dignity, EU Project Pravo-Justice became one of the drivers in promoting the rule of law in Ukraine, bringing the country’s legislative framework in line with European standards, developing a strategic vision of reforms, judicial reform, proper enforcement of judgments, etc.