Ukraine Unveils Unified Protocol for Investigating Wartime Sexual Violence

The Shift Toward Survivor-Centric Legal Procedures

At the heart of the new instruction is the transition from a traditional, often adversarial, investigative model to a survivor-centred approach. For years, human rights advocates have pointed out that standard police questioning techniques can inadvertently cause secondary trauma, leading to witness withdrawal or inconsistent testimony. The new guidelines mandate that investigators prioritise the psychological and physical safety of survivors above all else.

Under the updated rules, investigators are now required to provide survivors with clear information about their rights and the potential outcomes of the legal process before any questioning begins. This ensures that participation is entirely voluntary and based on a full understanding of the implications. Furthermore, the instruction introduces specific protocols for the collection of forensic evidence, ensuring that such procedures are conducted in a manner that respects the dignity of the individual.

• Investigators must now offer survivors access to specialised psychological support services at the earliest possible stage.
• The protocol requires that all interviews be conducted by personnel trained specifically in trauma-informed communication.
• Evidence collection must be synchronised across the PGO, SBU, and National Police to prevent the need for repetitive questioning.

Officials said this approach is essential for building trust between the state and the public. Without this trust, the reporting of sexual violence remains critically low, leaving many perpetrators to operate with impunity. By formalising these standards, the government hopes to create a more reliable pipeline of evidence that can withstand the scrutiny of both domestic courts and international tribunals.

British Embassy Support and the 2023-2026 Development Timeline

The creation of this unified instruction did not happen overnight. Development began in 2023, driven by a collaboration between the British Embassy in Ukraine and various Ukrainian state bodies. This effort falls under the umbrella of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), a long-standing UK-led programme designed to tackle the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Ambassador Crompton noted that the UK has remained committed to supporting Ukraine's judicial reforms throughout the duration of the conflict.

The process involved extensive consultations with international legal experts and civil society organisations. Synergy for Justice and Global Rights Compliance, both of which have worked extensively on documenting war crimes in Ukraine, provided the technical expertise necessary to draft the instruction. These organisations helped ensure that the guidelines reflect current international best practices while remaining compatible with the Ukrainian legal system.

The development phase included a series of workshops and training sessions for investigators and prosecutors. These sessions were designed to bridge the gap between theoretical human rights standards and the practical realities of working in a war zone. By involving these NGOs, the government ensured that the final document was not just a bureaucratic formality but a functional tool that addresses the specific challenges faced by those on the front lines of justice. The collaboration serves as a model for future international partnerships in the field of legal reform.

Technical Challenges in Documenting Wartime Sexual Violence

Documenting sexual violence in an active conflict zone presents immense logistical and technical hurdles. Investigators often face restricted access to crime scenes, the constant threat of shelling, and the difficulty of locating witnesses who have been displaced by the fighting. The new joint instruction addresses these challenges by creating a clearer chain of command and a more efficient system for sharing information between the PGO, SBU, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

One of the primary difficulties in these cases is the preservation of forensic evidence. In many instances, the time elapsed between the commission of the crime and the arrival of investigators can be significant. The new protocol provides guidelines on how to secure digital evidence, such as social media posts or intercepted communications, which can be just as crucial as physical forensic data. This is particularly important in cases where the perpetrator may have fled the territory.

Another technical aspect of the instruction is the emphasis on the 'chain of custody' for evidence. Given the international interest in these cases, it is vital that every piece of evidence is handled in a way that is admissible in international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). The instruction mandates that all agencies follow a uniform digital filing system, which prevents the loss of crucial information and ensures that evidence can be easily transferred between departments. This systematic approach is expected to reduce the backlog of cases that has plagued the judicial system since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Integrating International Best Practices into Ukrainian Law

The adoption of these guidelines is a significant step toward integrating Ukraine's legal framework with European and international standards. As Ukraine pursues its path toward EU membership, the harmonisation of its judicial processes with those of its European neighbours is a requirement. This instruction is a clear indicator that the Ukrainian government is prioritising the rule of law, even in the midst of an existential conflict.

The focus on conflict-related sexual violence is also a response to the growing international consensus that such crimes must be treated with the same severity as other war crimes. By creating a dedicated, unified protocol, Ukraine is signalling to the international community that it takes its obligations under the Geneva Conventions seriously. The involvement of international experts from Global Rights Compliance ensures that these guidelines are not only effective but also defensible in international forums.

Experts pointed out that the success of this initiative will depend on the consistent application of the rules across all regions. While the instruction is now national policy, the challenge lies in ensuring that officers in remote or frontline areas have the resources and training to implement these changes effectively. The government has committed to ongoing monitoring of the implementation process, with plans to review the effectiveness of the protocol in 2027. This iterative approach to policy-making is a departure from previous, more static legal reforms.

Next Steps for Prosecution and Evidence Preservation

With the instruction now signed, the focus shifts to the implementation phase. The Prosecutor General's Office has announced that it will begin training sessions for all regional prosecutors starting next month. The goal is to have the new protocols fully operational across the country by the end of the year. This transition will require a significant investment in both personnel and technology, particularly in the areas of digital evidence management and psychological support.

The Security Service of Ukraine is expected to play a key role in the investigation of crimes committed in occupied or recently liberated territories. Their ability to gather intelligence while adhering to the new survivor-centred guidelines will be a test of the protocol's efficacy. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be responsible for ensuring that the National Police are equipped to handle the initial response to such crimes.

The long-term success of this initiative will be measured by the number of cases that move from the investigative stage to the courtroom. As of October 2026, the backlog of war crimes cases remains substantial, and the introduction of these guidelines is seen as a necessary step to accelerate the pace of justice. By standardising the approach, the state aims to build a more robust case against perpetrators, both individual combatants and those in the chain of command. The commitment shown by the three agencies involved suggests a unified determination to hold those responsible for sexual violence accountable, regardless of the difficulties posed by the ongoing conflict.