Principles of Cooperation between Ukrainian Prosecuting Authorities and Civil Society Organisations

Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation Signed Between Prosecutor General of Ukraine and Civil Society Organisations

In September 2024, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with civil society organisations to support the investigation and prosecution of conflict-related crimes.

This agreement is based on the 'Principles of Cooperation between Ukrainian Prosecuting Authorities and Civil Society Organisations' ("Principles of Cooperation"), drafted with the assistance of Global Rights Compliance (GRC) under the MATRA-Ukraine project. The Principles of Cooperation aim to foster collaboration between prosecuting authorities and civil society organisations in Ukraine by establishing a framework for achieving mutual understanding and promoting international standards and best practices.

The document highlights core principles and values essential to these cooperative efforts, including voluntariness, independence, non-discrimination, prioritizing victims' interests, and adopting rights-based approaches.

While the Ukrainian criminal justice system bears primary responsibility for investigating and prosecuting conflict-related crimes committed in Ukraine since 2014, civil society organisations also play a vital role in achieving justice for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Thus, collaboration between prosecuting authorities and civil society organisations is essential in strengthening the delivery of criminal justice for victims of conflict-related crimes.

During the signing of the Memorandum, the Prosecutor General emphasized the document's importance and the need for a robust partnership between prosecutorial bodies and civil society, especially during these challenging times.