PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF PRISONERS OF WAR WITH A GENDER PERSPECTIVE: INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND UKRAINIAN PRACTICE

Abstract

In protracted armed conflicts, such as the armed
conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation,
the protection of the rights of prisoners of war and the
prevention of sexual and gender-based violence
become extremely important. The presence of gender
specifics in the protection of the rights of such persons
requires special attention, as different gender groups
may be exposed to different forms of violence and
discrimination. The subject of the study is
international legal standards and Ukrainian
legislation regulating the legal status of prisoners of
war with a focus on gender equality and combating
gender-based violence. The study analyzes the legal
aspects of protecting the rights of women prisoners of
war and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are
subjected to sexual and gender-based violence related
to armed conflict. The article examines Ukraine's
implementation of the relevant norms of international
law, identifies gaps in national legislation, and
proposes a comprehensive approach to improving the legal protection of these groups. To achieve these goals, the author uses the methods of comparative legal analysis, systematic approach and statistics

Key words: prisoners of war, gender equality, sexual violence, international humanitarian law, human rights.