Restorative Justice for Juvenile Offenders During the War in Ukraine

• In Event: Institutions and Restorative Justice

Abstract

Ukraine is actively developing restorative justice for minors, even amid the ongoing war. This approach aligns with international human rights standards and focuses on reconciliation between the offender and the victim, emotional healing, and the prevention of reoffending. The updated 2024 program expands access to restorative practices for minors accused of both minor and serious crimes, involving mediators, legal aid providers, and psychologists. The process emphasizes voluntary participation, accountability, and a respectful, child-centered dialogue. Ukraine’s commitment to restorative justice reflects a broader effort to build a more humane and effective juvenile justice during the war in Ukraine.

Author

• Natalia Khmelevska, Leonid Yuzkov Khmelnytskyi University of Management and Law