[Panel discussion] Mental health and psychosocial support in the pursuit of justice for Ukraine

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As Ukraine investigates crimes committed during Russia’s full-scale invasion, an important question emerges: how can accountability efforts support the mental well-being of the victims and witnesses whose experiences form the foundation of these cases?

Over the past two decades, the role of victims and witnesses in national and international accountability processes for atrocity crimes has gained increasing recognition. Yet pursuing justice should not come at the expense of those who were asked to participate in it.

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) approaches, including trauma-informed methodologies, can help ensure that accountability processes are both effective and humane. When thoughtfully integrated into legal proceedings, these approaches can strengthen witness testimony, improve victim well-being, and contribute to more meaningful justice outcomes.

This has been highlighted in the research report "The Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Approaches in Accountability Mechanisms for Atrocity Crimes" (by An Michels et al., (2024)). By analysing the practices in a broad spectrum of accountability mechanisms, the report aims to promote integration of MHPSS, ensuring a genuinely victim- and witness-centered approach. The issue is particularly relevant in Ukraine, where the Strategy for the Prosecution of International Crimes (2026–2028) identifies enhanced support and protection for victims and witnesses as a key priority.

This hybrid event marks the launch of the research report's translation into Ukrainian.

Join us for a panel discussion to hear from legal professionals, MHPSS practitioners, and researchers, unpacking the opportunities and challenges of integrating trauma-informed and psychosocial approaches into accountability processes in Ukraine. They will explore practical strategies and best practices for ensuring that justice efforts are both effective and responsive to the needs of those most affected by atrocity crimes.

Ukrainian-English and English-Ukrainian interpretation will be provided for remote participants.