Andrukhiv O. Martial law and transformation of the legal status of a person: challenges for democracy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33098/2078-6670.2025.19.31.12-21

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comprehensive legal analysis of the impact of martial law on the legal status of individuals in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the armed aggression by russia. The focus is on identifying the permissible limits of human rights and freedoms restrictions by the Constitution of Ukraine, international humanitarian law, and international human rights standards. Additionally, the study examines the threats posed to democratic institutions due to the expansion of state powers, taking into account the comparative experiences of other countries. Method. The methodology combines general scientific, specialized legal, and interdisciplinary methods, including systematic, comparative legal, formal legal, structural-functional, and hermeneutic analysis. This approach enables a comprehensive examination of the legal mechanisms for restricting human rights under martial law and their impact on democratic institutions. Results. The article presents a thorough analysis of the transformation of the legal status of individuals under martial law implemented in Ukraine in response to the full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation. It explores the legal mechanisms for restricting human rights and freedoms, such as freedom of movement, expression, peaceful assembly, privacy, and the right to a fair trial, within the context of national legislation, international humanitarian law, and practices of derogation from international obligations. The study also analyzes the experiences of other democratic states (Israel, France, the USA) in balancing national security and human rights during emergencies. It is established that Ukraine’s approach is characterized by a gradual narrowing of restrictions and an aspiration to restore democratic institutions even during wartime. The research findings indicate the necessity for clear regulatory frameworks defining the scope and duration of rights restrictions and establishing effective control mechanisms and legal protection for citizens. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the systematic study of the transformation of the legal status of individuals under martial law in Ukraine, considering both national and international legal contexts, and in the comparative analysis with practices of other states. This allows for the formulation of recommendations to improve legal regulation in human rights protection during emergencies—practical significance. The study’s practical significance is in its potential application for enhancing national legislation, developing policies in human rights under emergency conditions, and in the educational process for training specialists in law and public administration.

Key words: martial law, legal status of individuals, human rights, democracy, international humanitarian law, derogation, constitutional restrictions, national security.

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