Legal support for submitting an application to the Register of Damages (RD4U) regarding unlawful deprivation of liberty

The full-scale aggression of Russia against Ukraine in 2022 caused numerous cases of unlawful deprivation of liberty of civilians and military personnel, including detentions, abductions, forced detention without a court decision or without access to legal assistance. To record such violations and obtain compensation in the future, the international community created a special mechanism — Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U). Therefore, legal support for submitting an application to the RD4U Register of Damage regarding unlawful deprivation of liberty becomes an important tool for protecting the rights of victims.

What is unlawful deprivation of liberty and why is it important?

Unlawful deprivation of liberty in Ukraine includes cases when a person is held against their will without legal grounds, including illegal detention, abduction, military capture, or detention without a court decision.

Such actions constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. They are prohibited, in particular, by the European Convention on Human Rights, which states in Article 5: “Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person.”

The Register of Damage for Ukraine allows victims to record the fact of such a violation, which will form the basis for a future compensation mechanism.

Key signs of unlawful deprivation of liberty include:

• absence of a lawful court decision;
• forced detention for more than 24 hours without notifying competent authorities;
• use of violence or threats to life.

According to experts of the Council of Europe, “access to legal assistance and proper documentation of deprivation of liberty are critically important for restoring justice and obtaining future compensation”.

Who can submit an application to RD4U

Applications to the Register of Damage for Ukraine may be submitted by individuals who have become victims of unlawful deprivation of liberty, or by their legal representatives. The participation of human rights organizations is also allowed if the victim is unable to prepare the application independently.

It is important that the Register of Damage for Ukraine (RD4U) accepts applications supported by evidence such as:

• medical documents confirming violence;
• official testimonies;
• detention reports;
• any photos or videos;
• witness statements.

Proper preparation of the application increases the likelihood of its prompt review and inclusion in the register.

How to submit an application to RD4U?

1. Collection of documents – confirmation of the facts of unlawful deprivation of liberty.
2. Completion of the RD4U form – detailed description of circumstances and damages.
3. Legal analysis – verification of evidence compliance with register standards.
4. Submission of the application – official transfer to RD4U with a cover letter.
5. Process monitoring – tracking the review status and receiving confirmation.

Professional assistance helps to avoid mistakes and speed up the process, since RD4U has a limited period for accepting applications and specific requirements for evidence.

Why legal support is important

Submitting an application independently may lead to refusal due to incorrect documentation or incomplete evidence. Legal support ensures:

• verification of all documents for compliance with international standards;
• preparation of convincing descriptions of human rights violations;
• strategic presentation of evidence for faster inclusion in RD4U.

Lawyers of “Prikhodko and Partners” assist not only with preparing applications but also monitor the review process, advise on additional evidence, and represent the client’s interests when necessary.

Advantages of contacting “Prikhodko and Partners”

Our lawyers have more than 10 years of experience in criminal and international law, specialize in the protection of human rights, and also provide support in submitting applications to the Register of Damage for Ukraine. We guarantee:

• strict compliance with the register requirements;
• comprehensive legal analysis of each case;
• a personalized approach and confidentiality.

Our team provides clients with peace of mind and confidence that their rights are properly protected, and that the chances of successful inclusion in the register are as high as possible.

Do not postpone the protection of your rights. Order legal support for submitting an application to RD4U and receive professional assistance in documenting unlawful deprivation of liberty today.