Project donor organization:
ABA ROLI
Project start:
12.2011
Project completion:
06.2012
Protection of victims of crimes related to xenophobia and racism in the eastern regions of Ukraine
One of the key areas of combating crimes based on xenophobia and racism in the eastern regions of Ukraine is amending the criminal legislation. Thanks to the work of our public organization, amendments were proposed that provide for the recognition of crimes committed on the grounds of racial or national hatred as aggravating circumstances. This allows for increased responsibility for such offenses and enhanced protection of victims.
In the process of developing the draft laws, an analysis of the current legislation and the practice of its application was conducted. Gaps were identified in determining the motives of crimes as aggravating circumstances, which complicated the protection of victims and the effectiveness of the trial.
The recommendations and legislative initiatives developed are aimed at clarifying the criteria for qualifying crimes, increasing the legal awareness of law enforcement officers, and strengthening preventive measures. This allows for more effective protection of victims and prevention of manifestations of xenophobia and racism in the region.
1. What changes in criminal legislation have been made thanks to our public organization?
It was proposed that crimes committed out of racial or national hatred be recognized as aggravating circumstances, which increases liability for such offenses.
2. What is the purpose of making these changes?
The goal is to strengthen the protection of victims, ensure more effective investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by xenophobia and racism, and prevent repeated manifestations of hatred.
3. What problems in the current legislation were identified during the analysis?
The main problems relate to the unclear definition of motives for crimes as aggravating circumstances, which complicates the qualification of crimes and the protection of victims in court.
4. What additional measures are proposed for the effective protection of victims?
It is proposed to increase the legal awareness of law enforcement officers, clarify the criteria for qualifying crimes, and implement preventive measures to prevent manifestations of xenophobia and racism.