Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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On that point, could I ask Ms El Khyari to elaborate and concentrate on the criminal justice aspect of matters? We all know, for example, that it is many years since United Nations Resolution 1820 was passed, which specifically categorises sexual violence and rape as war crimes - crimes against humanity. Acknowledging what Ms Stryzhak has said, in so far as the strength and organisation of many of the women's groups in Ukraine seem to be substantially advanced in comparison with, perhaps, other parts of the world that are embroiled in conflict - I think in particular of Syria, parts of Africa and Afghanistan. Could Ms Stryzhak elaborate on the situation in Ukraine in respect of sexual violence at the hands of Russian forces? It seems that prosecutions are few and far between and that convictions are even more rare in terms of process. Deputy Brady quite rightly adverted to the need for psychological support for victims, but from our engagement with Ukrainian MPs, there seem to be some gaps in the system, for example, expertise in the matter of evidence taking. The police service in Ukraine must be somewhat overwhelmed in terms of its role, function and duty. I wonder about the possibility of international expertise in evidence taking to assist in prosecution to ensure there is perhaps an element of legal expertise present? Could countries such as Ireland assist? From what has been said, it seems that it is a matter of funding. It appears that there is more than just funding involved, however, because there is also the question of expertise and the extent to which the international community might assist in the matter of prosecution and the investigation or characterisation and determination of war crimes. Has there been any call from the prosecution services for international assistance to provide the expertise, and could a country such as Ireland assist in that regard?