A new Barnahus centre has opened in the Lviv region, providing comprehensive support to children who have suffered or witnessed violence. This is the fifteenth facility of its kind in Ukraine. The project operates according to European standards and aims to ensure that children undergo as few investigative procedures as possible while receiving psychological and legal assistance.
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During the opening of the centre, Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine Oleksandr Banchuk emphasised that accessible, child-friendly justice is one of the priorities of state policy. According to him, the creation of such centres was made possible thanks to the cooperation of government authorities, the judiciary, civil society organisations and international partners. He also noted that even in wartime, the implementation of European standards remains an important component of child rights protection.
The Barnahus model allows children to be interviewed only once, which reduces the risk of re-traumatisation. In addition, children and their loved ones receive psychological support as well as social, legal and medical services at the centres.
The Barnahus pilot project was launched in Ukraine in 2020. It is based on the standards of the European PROMISE network and the experience of European countries, with the support of the Council of Europe and UNICEF.
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