International Crimes Case-Building: Workshop for OPG Military Experts

September 03, 2024

One more school year for millions of Ukrainian children began not with the familiar sound of the first school bell but with the unsettling echo of air raid sirens — a stark reminder of Russia’s ongoing aggression. For Ukrainian law enforcers, this reality means facing a constantly increasing number of international crimes committed in Ukraine. Each day brings new cases, and their task is to ensure that perpetrators are ultimately held accountable.

The European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine has stood by the Ukrainian people from the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, offering crucial support to its partners in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, including war crimes. In the final days of summer, EUAM Ukraine, together with the EU Project Pravo-Justice and Georgetown University, within the framework of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA) for Ukraine, delivered a two-day workshop in Kyiv aimed at bolstering the skills of the members of the Interagency Working Group of Military Experts at the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) in international crimes case-building.

This workshop wasn’t just about technicalities. It was about equipping these experts with the tools they need to pursue justice relentlessly. The discussions focused on how to properly collect and analyse chemical substances like tear gas, understanding the legal responsibility of commanders and superiors, and the vital role of military analysts in criminal cases, especially when they serve as expert witnesses in court.

“Building a strong case is a prerequisite for holding those responsible for international crimes accountable. Achieving justice requires thorough preparation, starting from the very first step of collecting evidence on the ground to the final verdict. Workshops like this equip our Ukrainian partners with the tools to gather, analyse, and present evidence that will stand up in court,” says Mark Roorda, EUAM’s Senior Adviser on Prosecution of International Crimes.

The atmosphere was one of mutual respect and collaboration. Recognising the immense pressure these experts have been under – more than two years of nearly non-stop work, often at the sites of high-profile attacks – the organisers of the workshop made sure there was time to decompress. In an informal, supportive setting, these professionals had the chance to refresh their contacts, recharge, and reflect on their shared mission.