Ireland will be offering garda resources to investigate allegations of war crimes in Ukraine.
Minister for Justice Simon Harris, who is attending a special meeting of justice ministers in London today organised by the British and Dutch governments, will also be announcing a funding contribution of €3m for the International Criminal Court.
It follows the indictment of Russian president Vladimir Putin on charges of abducting Ukrainian children.
Mr Harris will tell the conference that Ireland is committed to providing €3m for the court’s work including specific funding for victims of war crimes.
He will also examine ways to provide practical assistance through garda resources and Forensic Services Ireland.
A Garda spokersperson said that assistance is currently given in this jurisdiction for international war crimes inquiries by “locating and engaging with victims, witnesses and suspects related to international genocide and war crimes and engaging and contributing to the European Network for investigation and prosecution of genocide crimes against humanity and war crimes”.
In Ukraine, court proceedings have begun in more than 200 cases of alleged war crimes and over 50,000 files have been opened.
The conference will be attended by 44 delegates, including justice ministers from Ukraine, Germany, France, Spain, Canada, Korea and Japan.
Mr Harris will tell the conference that Ireland was one of 43 countries to refer the situation in Ukraine to the international court so allowing an official investigation to start immediately.
He will say there are numerous disturbing reports of atrocities committed by Russian forces including violence against children.
Pat Leahy, Former Assistant Garda Commissioner, says the decision is not unique.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Leahy pointed out that gardaà have a lot of experience working abroad with the DFA and the UN.
He added that gardaà have a lot of expertise to bring to the table and they will be very comfortable doing it.
It is really good for gardaà to be operating on the international stage, he says, because it brings creditability to the organisation internationally while also exposing members to new experiences.
Mr Leahy added that the “handful” that will go out should not negatively affect existing gardai resources.
Garda resources offered for Russian war crimes probe
Source: Viral Trends Report
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