Subjects of war crimes investigations and their capabilities within criminal proceedings

This study is dedicated to analyzing the subjects involved in the investigation of war crimes in the modern world. It examines key issues that arise in this process, as well as opportunities provided by national and international legal mechanisms. The aim of the work is to determine the role of various actors in ensuring justice and to develop recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of their activities. The research explores the challenges associated with using digital technologies and open-source intelligence (OSINT) in evidence collection. It analyzes the activities of key actors, including the International Criminal Court, national judicial bodies, and non-governmental organizations, highlighting the characteristics of international cooperation in the context of the Rome Statute’s ratification. The study’s subject is the activities of entities involved in investigating war crimes, while its object encompasses the legal, organizational, and practical aspects of their work in both international and national contexts. The research employs methods of analysis, synthesis, comparative legal analysis, and case studies to investigate specific examples of investigations. The interdisciplinary approach allows for considering the influence of technologies, international law, and societal contexts. This work synthesizes modern challenges faced by war crimes investigation actors and proposes solutions to overcome them. It emphasizes the potential of digital technologies and the role of non-governmental organizations in evidence collection and analysis for the first time. The practical significance of the research lies in the recommendations for improving international and national justice mechanisms. The study underscores the importance of ratifying the Rome Statute for OSINT, its role in Ukraine’s European integration process, and the effectiveness of international justice. It concludes that collaboration between national judicial bodies, the International Criminal Court, and non-governmental organizations is crucial to achieving justice in war crimes cases.