International Conference on Criminal Justice Involving Veterans
An international scientific-practical conference titled 'Features of Criminal Justice Involving Veterans' was held in Kyiv on March 19, 2025, at the National Academy of Internal Affairs. The event's primary goal was to discuss challenges within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning veterans, and to present new approaches for their reintegration into society. The conference highlighted statistics on public trust in veterans, their unemployment rates, and their psychological needs, providing a crucial snapshot of post-service challenges. This focus is vital as nations worldwide grapple with supporting those who have experienced combat.
According to the data presented, last year approximately 70,000 individuals sentenced to non-custodial punishments were registered with probation authorities, including over 1,200 combat veterans. The 'Portrait of a Veteran 2025' study revealed that 96% of Ukrainians express trust in active-duty military personnel, and 92% trust veterans of the current war. However, more than 30% of veterans no longer in service remain unemployed, and over a quarter require psychological support.
Core Principles of the New Policy
The conference was co-organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the National Police, the State Criminal Executive Service, and the Dutch-based Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC). During the discussions, speaker Roman Bochkala emphasized the need for a systemic approach to veterans' issues:
'The state notices a veteran twice: when he goes to the front—and when he breaks the law. Everything between these two moments is a blank spot.' Roman Bochkala
Bochkala also stressed that probation is a crucial tool for reintegrating individuals into normal social life, stating: 'There is a simple principle: putting a person in prison is the last resort. Not the first. The first is to understand why this person committed a crime.' He argued that psychosocial rehabilitation must become an integral part of the justice system's work, noting that 'poor sleep, anxiety, cognitive disorders—these are what push a person toward conflict or alcohol, and then toward crime.'
The conference introduced seven principles for a new policy aimed at improving the situation for veterans within the justice system:
- Systemic reform over piecemeal assistance;
- A person-centered approach;
- Integration of social and criminal policy;
- Early reintegration and prevention;
- Health as a key factor for reintegration;
- Family and community as partners;
- Changing the narrative.
Bochkala remarked that 'this is a matter of national security, defense capability, and public trust in institutions,' underscoring the importance of an effective reintegration strategy for veterans.
The conference marked a significant step toward improving criminal justice for veterans, opening new avenues for their support and societal integration. The discussions highlighted not only the immediate problems veterans face but also the necessity for a comprehensive reintegration approach. Given the existing social challenges, the state's role in ensuring psychological support and creating employment opportunities for veterans is critical. The developed policy principles could form the basis for future reforms in criminal justice and veteran social adaptation, which may, in turn, positively impact public trust in institutions and reduce societal conflict.
As discussions around veterans' rights continue to evolve, the recent proposed reforms for veterans in the justice system highlight additional measures aimed at addressing the unique challenges they face. These reforms could play a crucial role in shaping a more supportive environment for veterans reintegrating into society, complementing the insights shared at the conference.