The Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in the Transitional Justice System: International Practice and the Ukrainian Context

Background: This article examines the role of law enforcement agencies within the system of transitional justice, with particular attention to international practice and its relevance for Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery. In the aftermath of armed conflicts, regime changes, or systemic violence, societies must simultaneously redress past human rights violations and rebuild public trust in state institutions. As global experience shows, law enforcement bodies occupy a pivotal yet complex position in this process – investigating and prosecuting crimes, contributing to truth-seeking initiatives, protecting victims, and facilitating institutional reform. The article aims to identify an effective model for the participation of law enforcement agencies in transitional justice, one that balances their retributive, protective, and reconciliatory functions in accordance with international legal standards and public expectations. It argues that the integration of internationally tested practices can enhance the legitimacy of Ukraine’s justice system and promote sustainable reconciliation. Methods: The methodology combines doctrinal, comparative, and interdisciplinary approaches. The research includes an analysis of international and domestic legal frameworks, comparative case studies (South Africa, Colombia, Rwanda, the former Yugoslavia), and an examination of Ukraine’s legal and institutional environment. Political and sociological insights are also incorporated to contextualize the role of law enforcement in post-conflict societies. Results and Conclusions: The study finds that law enforcement agencies must undergo both structural and cultural transformation to perform effectively in transitional settings. Their function extends beyond criminal enforcement to securing victims’ rights, strengthening public confidence, and preventing the recurrence of mass abuses. Challenges such as political interference, limited expertise in international crimes, institutional distrust, and resource constraints persist. However, through targeted reforms, international cooperation, and a victim-centred approach, law enforcement institutions can significantly contribute to a just and durable peace. The article concludes that in Ukraine’s context, establishing a transitional justice framework rooted in accountability, professionalism, and human rights compliance within the law enforcement sector is imperative. Such a system can not only deliver legal redress and reinforce institutional legitimacy but also serve as a model for other nations confronting the legacy of mass violence.