International Standards and National Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights in the Context of the Armed Conflict in Ukraine
Yurii Voloshyn
Dean of the Faculty of International Relations of the State University “Kyiv Aviation Institute”, Doctor of Law, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Ukraine
Liliia Pashynna
Ph.D. candidate, Department of International and European Law, Faculty of International Relations, State University “Kyiv Aviation Institute”, Ukraine
This article examines national mechanisms for the protection of human rights in Ukraine under conditions of armed conflict precipitated by the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, which commenced on 24 February 2022. The study analyses the functioning of the human rights protection system during martial law, encompassing the roles of the Human Rights Commissioner, the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. Particular attention is devoted to the adaptation of legal and institutional mechanisms to the exigent circumstances of conflict, ensuring access to justice and fostering international cooperation. The research investigates challenges in the qualification of war crimes and crimes against humanity within Ukraine’s domestic criminal law framework. Consideration is given to avenues of recourse to the European Court of Human Rights to secure redress for victims of Russian aggression, including through specialised online platforms. The article underscores the critical necessity of a comprehensive approach to human rights protection that amalgamates national efforts with international support to ensure the effective safeguarding of fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens under wartime conditions.
Keywords: International standards and national mechanism for human rights protection; international cooperation; European Court of Human Rights; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
