In a significant step toward justice and accountability, the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) has announced the opening of new claims categories for individuals who have suffered grave violations as a result of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The announcement was made at a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Iryna Mudra, and Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Liudmyla Suhak, and the Board and the Executive Director of the Register of Damage for Ukraine. During the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that victims of the war receive international recognition and access to future compensation.
The newly introduced claims categories encompass some of the most severe and traumatic violations endured during the war:
- A1.1 Involuntary Internal Displacement
- A2.3 Serious Personal Injury
- A2.4 Sexual Violence
- A2.5 Torture or Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- A2.6 Deprivation of Liberty
- A2.7 Forced Labour or Service
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasised the significance of the expansion of claims categories:
“Ukraine is firmly committed to accountability and justice. We call on all Ukrainians to submit claims to the Register, as each such claim is a step towards ensuring that Russia does not go unpunished. As a next stage, we plan to launch applications for legal entities and government agencies, institutions, and enterprises that have also suffered significant damage.
We will make Russia pay. To do this, the Government of Ukraine is working on the full confiscation of Russian frozen assets. We have a strong coalition of support from more than 50 countries and organisations that are helping Ukraine on this path. The international Register of Damage is the first of three elements in this direction”
RD4U’s Board emphasised that acknowledging these grave violations is critical to securing justice for victims.
“International law is clear: the suffering endured from violations must not go unrecognised. By expanding the Register to include these claim categories, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and accountability. Every claim submitted reaffirms the case for reparations and ensures that victims’ voices are heard,” stated the Chair of RD4U’s Board, Robert Spano.
The Executive Director of the Register, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, urged those affected to come forward and submit their claims: “The launch of these new claims categories marks a major milestone in our efforts to document the immense human suffering caused by this war. We encourage all victims of these grave human rights violations to file their claims. Every claim strengthens the foundation for justice and future reparations.”
How to Submit Claims
Individuals who have experienced serious personal injury or been subjected to sexual violence, torture, deprivation of liberty, or forced labour, or those that were internally displaced by the war can submit claims through the Diia web portal, a secure government platform providing digital access to public services.
All relevant information, including claim forms, submission rules, FAQs, and practical instructions, is available on the Register of Damage for Ukraine’s official website in English and Ukrainian.
A Step Forward in International Justice
The opening of these new claims categories underscores the international community’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its people. By ensuring that victims of grave human rights violations have a clear path to recognition and redress, the Register of Damage for Ukraine continues to pave the way for future reparations and accountability.
The Register of Damage for Ukraine, established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, serves as the first component of an international compensation mechanism. Formal treaty negotiations to establish the next phase – an international claims commission – are set to begin next week.
Prior to these six new categories launched today, three categories were already open for submission of claims:
- A2.1 Death of an Immediate Family Member
- A2.2 Missing Immediate Family Member
- A3.1 Damage or Destruction of Residential Immovable Property
For more information, visit www.RD4U.claims
