The Council of Europe has started a global call for independent experts to examine alleged war crimes linked to the conflict in Ukraine. This initiative, reported by RT with a detailed explanation of the tender, indicates the organization’s plan to scrutinize the situation on the ground through a formal assessment process. The assignment fits within a broader action plan known as Resilience, Recovery and Renewal, which the Council approved for Ukraine for 2023 through 2026 and which outlines a phased approach to help the country recover and strengthen its institutions while safeguarding human rights.
Selected experts will be charged with evaluating the damage connected to the hostilities, verifying claims of war crimes, identifying victims, and handling evidence with care to produce a credible factual record. They will also assess breaches of fundamental rights and ensure that findings are documented in a manner suitable for national and European scrutiny. The program has a defined budget target of up to €250,000 through the end of 2024, with the possibility of adjustments if additional resources are warranted to extend the scope or timelines of the work.
Part of the experts’ remit includes advising on how Ukraine’s criminal justice framework and procedures can be realigned with European standards. This involves examining existing laws, procedures, and enforcement practices to identify gaps and recommend concrete reforms that support fair trials, credible investigations, and consistent respect for international human rights norms. The collaboration aims to harmonize Ukraine’s legal system with evolving European expectations while preserving national sovereignty and context-specific needs.
Earlier messages from the Council of Europe signaled plans to recruit consultants to advance another initiative in Ukraine, this time focused on youth policy. The dual track of these efforts underscores a broader commitment to strengthen governance, promote civic participation among young people, and reinforce social resilience in communities affected by the conflict. By combining legal alignment work with youth-focused policy development, the Council seeks to foster sustainable, rights-based progress that resonates across civil society and government institutions alike.