ZMINA joined the development of the Roadmap for the investigation of crimes against humanity committed by Russian forces in Ukraine

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) published a Roadmap for the investigation of crimes against humanity committed by Russian forces in Ukraine in the context of the full-scale invasion. The document was also prepared by Ukrainian NGOs – the Human Rights Centre ZMINA and the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR).

Since the first days of the full-scale war, OMCT, ZMINA and MIHR have been documenting systematic and widespread torture, enforced disappearances and other crimes committed by Russian forces against the civilian population of Ukraine. In their work, Ukrainian NGOs rely on the methodology of in-depth interviews developed by the OMCT. Since 2022, ZMINA and MIHR have been using this methodology to interview civilians unlawfully detained by Russian forces.

Based on this work, OMCT has developed a roadmap for the structural investigation of these crimes as potential crimes against humanity. The document provides practical guidance for human rights defenders, journalists and civil society investigators working directly with victims, as well as for investigators on standards of proof.

OMCT will present the roadmap on 24 June, at 10:00 CET, during Global Week Against Torture.

The Roadmap was prepared with the financial support of the Open Society Foundations, the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland. The contents of this roadmap are the sole responsibility of OMCT and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Open Society Foundations, the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland.

For reference

The OMCT works with around 200 member organisations, which constitute its SOS-Torture Network, to end torture, fight impunity and protect human rights defenders worldwide. Together, we make up the largest global group actively standing up to torture in more than 90 countries. Helping local voices be heard, we support our vital partners in the field and provide direct assistance to victims. The organisation’s international secretariat is based in Geneva, with offices in Brussels and Tunisia.