Publication date: 28.05.2024
Amendments to some laws of Ukraine in order to improve the response mechanism to cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence against Ukrainian citizens abroad
Introduction
Domestic and gender-based violence are serious human rights violations that require strong measures to prevent and respond. Especially difficult are the cases when these offenses take place abroad, where Ukrainian citizens may not have sufficient support and protection. In order to improve the mechanism of response to such cases, it is necessary to make changes to some laws of Ukraine. This will ensure effective protection of the rights of Ukrainian citizens, regardless of their location.
Basic provisions of the draft Law
Extension of powers of diplomatic institutions
The draft Law envisages expanding the powers of embassies and consulates of Ukraine abroad to provide assistance to citizens who have become victims of domestic violence or gender-based violence. This includes:
Provision of legal assistance and consultations.
Provision of temporary shelter or a safe place to live.
Facilitating interaction with local law enforcement agencies and social services.
Cooperation with international organizations
The changes to the legislation provide for the intensification of cooperation with international organizations, such as the UN, OSCE, the European Union and others, to ensure the protection of the rights of victims of violence. This includes:
Conclusion of agreements on cooperation and exchange of information.
Implementation of joint programs and projects aimed at preventing violence and providing assistance to victims.
Conducting trainings and educational programs for employees of diplomatic institutions.
Improvement of national legislation
The draft Law envisages amendments to national legislation in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to solving the problem of violence abroad. This includes:
Introduction of special norms regarding the provision of assistance to citizens of Ukraine who have become victims of violence abroad.
Introduction of coordination mechanisms between various state bodies responsible for the protection of citizens' rights.
Development and implementation of information campaigns to raise citizens' awareness of their rights and opportunities to receive assistance abroad.
National Support Center
The draft Law envisages the creation of a National Support Center for Ukrainian citizens who have become victims of violence abroad. The task of this center will be:
Coordination of activities of diplomatic institutions regarding the protection of the rights of victims of violence.
Provision of consultation and psychological assistance.
Statistics and analysis of incidents of violence to develop effective responses.
Arguments in favor of the adoption of the Law
Protection of citizens' rights
The adoption of changes to the legislation will ensure effective protection of the rights of Ukrainian citizens who have become victims of violence abroad. This will help increase the level of security and social protection.
Increasing the efficiency of response
Expanding the powers of diplomatic institutions and intensifying international cooperation will increase the effectiveness of responding to incidents of violence. This will ensure timely and high-quality assistance to victims. You may be interested in the following articles: lawyer's consultation, lawyer's consultation, document analysis, legal analysis of the situation, written consultation, document review by a lawyer, lawyers' documents, lawyer's help online, lawyer online, legal opinion, lawyer's legal opinion, lawyer online.
Fulfillment of international obligations
The adoption of this law will contribute to the fulfillment of Ukraine's international obligations regarding the protection of human rights. This will improve the country's international image and help attract international support in the fight against violence.
Conclusion
Amendments to the legislation of Ukraine in order to improve the response mechanism to cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence against citizens abroad is a step in the direction of ensuring effective protection of citizens' rights and prevention of violations of their human rights. These changes include expanding the powers of diplomatic institutions, intensifying cooperation with international organizations, improving national legislation and creating a National Support Center. The adoption of this law will contribute to increasing the level of security and social protection, increasing the effectiveness of responding to cases of violence, as well as fulfilling Ukraine's international obligations on the protection of human rights. Therefore, making these changes is a step towards creating a safer and more just society.
