Joint Order of the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine № 150/445/2077/5/187 “On the introduction and implementation of a Pilot Project for the implementation of international child-friendly justice standards into practical activities”

The order “On the Implementation and Realization of a Pilot Project to Introduce International Child-Friendly Justice Standards” acquires particular significance in wartime conditions, as children in Ukraine have become one of the most vulnerable groups impacted by the armed conflict in the country. It establishes the fundamental framework and organizational measures to integrate principles focused on protecting children’s interests within the work of Ukrainian justice and social protection bodies during criminal proceedings.

In the critical environment of wartime, this order is a crucial step toward ensuring children’s safety during interactions with law enforcement and justice agencies. A primary focus is placed on the practical integration of international child-friendly justice standards within the operations of the prosecution, police, courts, and social services. This entails the introduction of adapted procedures to provide a safe, secure, and child-friendly atmosphere for minors involved in criminal proceedings, which is especially important for children who may have experienced traumatic events due to the war.

The adopted project implementation procedure and action plan provide for the adaptation of workflows within each agency, specifically through preparing personnel to work with children affected by the war. These agencies receive clear instructions regarding the protection of children’s rights, including the use of specialized methods aimed at reducing stress for minors during interactions with the justice system.