Support for submitting an application to the Registry of Damages (RD4U) in cases of torture and inhuman treatment

Support in submitting an application to the Register of Damage for Ukraine in cases of torture and inhuman treatment is professional legal assistance that ensures the protection of the rights of victims of inhuman or degrading treatment, and also contributes to the restoration of justice and obtaining appropriate compensation.

The Register of Damage (RD4U) of the Council of Europe is a platform that collects information about damage caused as a result of military aggression on the territory of Ukraine, including cases of torture, cruel treatment, and other forms of humiliation of human dignity.

What is torture and inhuman treatment

Torture is defined as the intentional infliction of severe physical or psychological pain for the purpose of punishment, intimidation, or coercion to perform certain actions. Inhuman or degrading treatment includes actions that do not reach the level of torture but seriously violate a person’s rights and dignity. According to the standards of the Council of Europe, including the Convention against Torture and other cruel treatment, such acts are recognized as crimes that must be documented and compensated.

Main examples of situations that fall under category A2.5 of the Register of Damage for Ukraine:

• intentional infliction of bodily injuries and pain;
• coercion into humiliating and dangerous actions;
• use of torture in places of temporary detention;
• psychological pressure, threats, humiliation of dignity.

This classification makes it possible to clearly determine which cases must be documented and included in the Register of Damage.

Why is support in submitting an application necessary?

The procedure for submitting an application to RD4U is complex and multi-stage, including the collection of evidence, documentation of facts, and preparation of the application in accordance with international standards. Legal support ensures:

• proper completion of the form and attachments;
• verification of compliance with RD4U criteria;
• consultation on collecting evidence, testimonies, and medical conclusions;
• protection of the applicant’s rights at all stages of the review.

Without professional assistance, there is a risk that the application may be rejected due to errors in documentation or insufficiently supported evidence. Our specialists have many years of experience in criminal law and international human rights protection, which allows us to prepare the application as thoroughly as possible and increase the chances of success.

How do we work with victims?

Our approach is victim-oriented and provides comprehensive assistance from the first consultation to confirmation that the application has been included in RD4U. The workflow includes:

1. Initial consultation to assess the case;
2. Preparation and collection of necessary documents (medical certificates, witness testimonies, submission of reports of a criminal offense, legal documents);
3. Completion of the application in accordance with RD4U requirements;
4. Legal support during the stage of verification and clarification of information;
5. Informing the applicant about the status and result of the review.

Each stage involves an individual approach, taking into account the specifics of the event, the psychological condition of the victim, and international human rights protection standards. According to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Article 2, 1984), states are obliged to prevent such acts and provide effective remedies for victims.

Advantages of support from the lawyers of “Prikhodko and Partners”

• comprehensive documentation of damages, including psychological and material losses;
• increased likelihood of a positive outcome of the application;
• confidentiality and an individual protection strategy;
• direct contact with international platforms and organizations to confirm facts.

Our team of specialists monitors current changes in Ukrainian legislation and international updates, enabling a prompt response to new RD4U requirements. Considering the current situation in Ukraine, documenting cases of torture and inhuman treatment is critically important for restoring justice and obtaining compensation.

The sooner the application is submitted, the faster the process of collecting evidence and preparing a legally substantiated application can begin. Delaying the submission reduces the effectiveness of the evidence base and increases the risk of losing the right to compensation.