Alla Chyzh, Associate Professor at the Department of Criminalistics and Forensic Science, participated in an expert discussion regarding draft policies: the Model Policy on Zero Tolerance for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Model Policy on Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment within Ukraine’s security and defense sector.
The event was organized by the Office of the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, with support from the OSCE, UNDP, and the NGO "La Strada – Ukraine."
Participants reviewed the provisions of the draft documents and the practical mechanisms for their implementation. Discussions focused on procedures for reporting and responding to incidents of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and sexual harassment, as well as victim protection, confidentiality, and the prevention of retaliation and re-traumatization.
Particular attention was paid to initial response protocols for officials and the delineation of responsibilities among commanders, designated officials, and pre-trial investigation bodies. Participants also discussed the timely preservation of information that could serve as evidence, including digital data.
During the professional discussion, participants examined criteria for defining CRSV and establishing its link to the armed conflict, as well as issues regarding the presumption of innocence alongside the need for an immediate response to reports of potential violations. Separate discussions addressed the characteristics of sexual harassment, the impact of hierarchical power dynamics in the workplace, and the necessity of clear standards of conduct within the professional environment.
Participation in such an expert discussion facilitates the exchange of professional experience, the improvement of mechanisms for preventing and responding to instances of sexual violence and harassment, and the implementation of up-to-date approaches in the educational process and the training of future law enforcement personnel.