As part of the project “Protecting Victim Rights through Judicial Accountability in Ukraine”, implemented by the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC) with the support of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the MATRA Programme, we have launched a baseline research study. This research is being carried out by the NHC, the Eastern-Ukrainian Center for Civic Initiatives (EUCCI), and the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA).

The aim of the project is to strengthen a victim-centered approach within Ukraine’s judicial system and ensure that institutions are better equipped to uphold the rights of victims at every stage of the criminal process. The project seeks to align Ukraine’s criminal justice system with international standards, enhance legal protection, and improve access to justice for vulnerable groups.

The initiative is being implemented by a consortium coordinated by the NHC and involving the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, EUCCI, Victim Support Netherlands, the Netherlands Training and Study Centre for the Judiciary (SSR), the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands (Parket-Generaal), the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA), the Coordination Center for Legal Aid Provision, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Netherlands Council for the Judiciary, and experts with lived experience.

The purpose of the baseline research is to analyse the conditions and challenges faced by legal professionals, government authorities, civil society organisations, and victims themselves in exercising the right to a fair trial. While the primary focus is on identifying barriers and opportunities in the effective protection of victims' rights in domestic crime cases, there is an intrinsic connection to the protection of rights for victims of international crimes. The research includes an online questionnaire and a series of in-depth interviews with representatives of different professions and stakeholder groups involved in these issues.

We kindly invite you to take 10–15 minutes to complete the survey. We also encourage you to share it with colleagues and other interested parties. Your perspectives and professional insights are critical to identifying real needs and shaping effective solutions for improving the protection of victims’ rights.

The results of the survey will inform the development of future support measures, training programs, and advocacy initiatives.

The survey is open until 16 June 2025 and is available at the link.

Thank you for your time and support!