10 June 2026 – At the initiative of Ukraine’s Office of the Prosecutor General, a new department is being launched at Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office – the Department for the Organization of Support for Victims and Witnesses of Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office.

The Victims and Witnesses Support Coordination Centre of the Office of the Prosecutor General and the departments at regions prosecutor’s offices, are developed to provide comprehensive support for those who survived or witnessed international crimes, as well as such crimes as domestic violence, sexual crimes, crimes against children. In particular, they explain victims their rights, assist with legal consultations, support them in their interaction with investigators and prosecutors, and arrange access to psychological, medical, and social assistance. 

According to Oleksii Umanets, the deputy head of Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office, the establishment of the new department is an important step toward ensuring access to justice during wartime. 

“The restoration of justice, holding perpetrators accountable, and protecting those who need it most are our key priorities,” Umanets said. “In partnership with others, we’re working to ensure high standards of investigations, where respect for human dignity and human rights are fundamental values.”

The renovation of the premises for the new department was carried out with the support of the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine. Office equipment was provided by the EU Project Pravo-Justice implemented by Expertise France. 

During the opening of the department, Veronika Plotnikova, the head of the Victims and Witnesses Support Coordination Centre of the Office of the Prosecutor General, stressed the importance of such spaces for supporting those who have survived or witnessed crimes. 

“People affected by the war need comprehensive support,” Plotnikova said. “Specialised departments for victims and witnesses are being developed to bring support and assistance closer to where it is needed most.”

Olena Ursu, UNDP in Ukraine’s Democratic Governance Team Leader, underlined that the development of victim-centred justice has become a necessity in wartime. 

“A sense of safety, along with respect for human dignity and human rights, is essential for the physical and psychological recovery of those who have experienced traumatic events,” Ursu said. “UNDP in Ukraine, with the support of the Government of Japan, is jointly working together with partners to ensure that such spaces of support and safety are more readily available to those who need them most.” 

Oksana Tsymbrivska, team lead for the EU Project Pravo-Justice, noted that for their Project supporting the development of victim and witness support departments is a contribution to building a victim-centred justice system.

“The development of the departments for victims and witness support is an example of how European standards and principles of victim-centred justice become a reality for Ukrainian citizens today,” Tsymbrivska said.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org