Legal protection and access to justice
The legal department of the NGO "Martin-Club" ensures comprehensive professional protection of citizens' rights and freedoms by providing both primary legal aid (consultations, clarifications, and the drafting of formal requests) and secondary legal aid, which includes the preparation of procedural documents and court representation. The organization’s human rights advocacy is led by the renowned lawyer and human rights defender Yuliia Seheda; under her guidance, the team handles highly complex legal cases and upholds the principles of justice and the inevitability of punishment.
A key priority of our work is the protection of children's rights and interests in court. We employ a specialized, child-friendly approach designed to minimize re-traumatization during legal proceedings. The department pays special attention to providing sensitive and professional support in cases of child sexual abuse, ensuring maximum protection, safety, and legal assistance for affected minors at every stage of the investigation and trial.
Another important area of our work involves providing comprehensive legal support to victims of domestic violence. Our lawyers guide victims through the entire protection process—from filing initial reports with law enforcement and obtaining restraining orders to representing them in court hearings. We defend the personal and property rights of victims, helping them safely escape abusive situations.
A distinct area of the legal department's work is dedicated to protecting people affected by the war and advocating for reparations and compensation for damages incurred. Lawyers from the NGO "Martin-Club" are establishing legal precedents (notably the case of lawyer Yuliia Seheda defending Maryna Poliakh) and handling over 40 cases at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), thereby shaping significant international legal practice. These include landmark and precedent-setting cases—such as *Khoptiar and Others v. Ukraine* (Application No. 16468/20)—that are transforming national standards of justice and the protection of fundamental human rights.