KIEV – Minister of Justice and Public Administration Ivan Malenica is on an official visit to Ukraine, during which he met with Ukrainian Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska and Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin.
The main topics of the bilateral meetings were exchange of experience and strengthening of cooperation in the field of prosecution of war crimes and crimes of aggression.
The two ministers discussed the challenges in conducting war crimes investigations, gathering evidence and building a quality support system for victims and witnesses. In addition, they discussed the organisation of the work of the courts amid ravages of war, the functioning of the prison and probation system, and the strengthening of cooperation in the field of impunity, both bilaterally and within the institutions of the European Union.
“Today’s visit is not only a sign of solidarity with the suffering of the Ukrainian people, but also a reflection of Croatia’s commitment to sanctioning crimes committed on Ukrainian territory. As a country on whose soil international law was grossly violated, on whose soil numerous war crimes were recorded, we have a good understanding of the process that Ukraine is going through. We want to help Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Our experts have been here for months now helping Ukrainian prosecutors. Unfortunately, the prosecution of crimes committed during aggression is a complex and lengthy process. It is therefore my desire to help Ukraine with our experience and expertise to conduct effective, quality and fair proceedings", said Minister Malenica in Kiev.
Minister Malenica reiterated that Croatia had offered assistance within the framework of Ukraine’s Peace Formula in the fields of food security (security corridors), energy security, implementation of the UN Charter — restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the world order (peaceful reintegration, post-conflict transition, veteran care, missing persons search model), establishing justice (ensuring accountability for war crimes) and prevention of ecocide (demining).
He highlighted that Croatia had received 22,531 displaced persons from Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
“Post-conflict transition will be one of Ukraine’s biggest challenges. A prerequisite for a successful transition is that justice is served. The future of Ukrainian society will be built on truth. Therefore, crimes must not be left unpunished and victims must not be forgotten. The international community should also play an important role in this process. To stand by Ukraine in these difficult times means to stand on the right side of history", concluded Minister Malenica.
The Ukrainian side is interested in exchanging experience with Croatia in the prosecution of war crimes, peaceful reintegration process and veteran care.
“Both our countries have faced numerous challenges, thousands of victims, broken infrastructure and a disrupted economy. You are familiar with the crimes in Bucha, Irpin, Kharkiv. Croatia’s experience in the prosecution of war crimes and post-war justice is highly valuable for us", said Minister Maliuska.
Minister Malenica also met with Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin. They discussed the workshop for prosecutors on war crimes prosecution, to be held in Croatia at the end of June.
Accompanied by Ukrainian Minister Maliuska, Minister Malenica laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, and afterwards visited the mass grave of civilians killed in Russian aggression with Mayor of Bucha Anatoliy Fedoruk.
Minister Malenica’s official visit to Ukraine ended with a visit to the city of Irpin.
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