EU agency & ICC issue advice on collecting evidence of war atrocities

The Worldwide Felony Court docket chief prosecutor and European Union judicial cooperation company Eurojust have launched a set of tips for nongovernmental organisations gathering proof of atrocities in Ukraine and elsewhere around the globe.

“With the battle in Ukraine, peace and justice are beneath probably the most extreme strain, and accountability for core worldwide crimes and violations of human rights is greater than ever important for worldwide legal justice,” Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday.

He mentioned the rules can be “a key constructing block in efforts of authorities and civil society organisations to gather and protect info and proof which will grow to be admissible in court docket.”

They embody recommendation on approaching and interviewing weak witnesses, coping with paperwork, digital info and objects that may very well be proof in addition to storing, analysing and protecting the data and potential items of proof safe.

Allegations of atrocities by Russian forces combating within the practically seven-month battle in Ukraine have once more come to the fore in current days as Ukrainian forces have recaptured elements of their nation and found mass graves and potential torture websites.

Worldwide Felony Court docket Prosecutor Karim Khan has opened an investigation in Ukraine and despatched groups to assemble proof. Different nations are also supporting investigation efforts by sending consultants. The prosecutor hasn’t but introduced any costs linked to the battle.

In March, Eurojust helped arrange a Joint Investigation Staff with Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine. The ICC prosecution additionally agreed to take part within the workforce and in Could it was broadened when Slovakia, Estonia and Latvia joined.

Khan mentioned NGOs are “crucial companions in our widespread purpose to realize accountability for worldwide crimes. Now greater than ever we should work collectively to strengthen our widespread work in the direction of justice.”