This article analyzes the provision of rights and freedoms of Ukrainian citizens under martial law. The full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in 2022 complicated the human rights situation. Martial law led to restrictions on freedom of movement, strikes, and other civil rights necessary to preserve democratic values.

The article emphasizes the importance of international human rights standards for shaping Ukraine’s national legislation. The article identifies several contemporary legal challenges, including legal uncertainty arising from rapid legislative changes, overburdening of state authorities, military structures, and the justice system. The problem of insufficient monitoring of human rights compliance during wartime, which often leads to abuses by law enforcement agencies and other state structures, is highlighted.

Particular attention is paid to corruption risks associated with resource utilization during wartime, exemplified by wasteful expenditure of budget funds and misuse of property.

The issue of insufficient public awareness about their rights under martial law is also highlighted, which contributes to rights violations and weakens their protection. Insufficient awareness often results in people not understanding their rights in the context of martial law restrictions, such as limitations on freedom of movement or property seizures. The need to intensify state policy to clarify legislative changes, especially those related to rights restrictions and guarantees that remain inviolable even during wartime, is noted.

Ways to improve mechanisms for protecting citizens’ rights and increasing the effectiveness of implementing legal norms during emergency periods are proposed.

Keywords: ensuring rights and freedoms of citizens, martial law, international human rights standards, restrictions on rights under martial law.

References

1. Nalyvaiko, O.I. (2024), ” Challenges and prospects of human rights protection in Ukraine after the full-scale invasion of Russia: theoretical and legal analysis”. Current Issues in Modern Science, (25)7, pp.424-433, аvailable at: https://doi.org/10.52058/2786-6300-2024-7(25)-424-433 (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
2. Kyrychenko, V.M., Sokolenko, Y. (2018), “Implementation of the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into the Constitution of Ukraine”. Constitutional and Legal Academic Studies, (2), pp.39-45, аvailable at: https://dspace.uzhnu.edu.ua/jspui/handle/lib/30723 (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
3. Chub, A. (2017), “The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”. In: K.B. Pivovarska, V.V. Nahorniy, et al., eds. Human Rights Movement: History and Modernity. Proceedings of the 10th All-Ukrainian Student Scientific-Practical Conference. Poltava: PNUK, pp. 109-111, аvailable at: http://dspace.pnpu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/9371 (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
4. Fedorova, A. (2011), “The International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights as a component of the universal system of human rights protection”. Current Issues of International Relations, 1(96), pp.104-109, аvailable at: file:///C:/Users/user/Desktop/apmv_2011_96(1)__17.pdf (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
5. Implementation of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the precedent law of the European Court of Human Rights: International-legal analysis of state practices, 2009. Scientific Bulletin of the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine, (15), pp.311-318, аvailable at: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/Nvdau_2009_15_42 (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
6. Khavroniuk, M.I., Hatselyuk, V.O. (2014), “Legislation of Ukraine against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment”. Scientific-Practical Commentary. Kyiv: VAITE, 320 pp., аvailable at: https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/1/1/368926.pdf (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
7. Figel, Y.O. (2015), “Limitation of human rights under martial law”. Scientific Bulletin of Lviv University of Commerce. Series: Legal, (2), pp.222-230, аvailable at: http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/nvlkau_2015_2_24 (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).
8. Prosecutor General’s Office (2024), Former Ministry of Defense officials are suspected of embezzling nearly one billion hryvnias on bulletproof vest procurements. Main – Prosecutor General’s Office, аvailable at: https://gp.gov.ua/ua/posts/eksposadovcyam-minoboroni-povidomleno-pro-novi-pidozri-za-faktom-roztrati-shhe-maize-milyarda-griven-na-zakupivlyax-broneziletiv (аccessed 20 Dec 2024).