Problematic issues of means of protection of freedom, honor, and dignity of a person in the context of Articles 146–151-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine

The present day is characterized by a difficult period for the state, caused by the introduction of martial law in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On the Approval of the Decree of the President of Ukraine ”On the Introduction of Martial Law in Ukraine» dated 24.02.2022 No. 2102-IX [1]. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that fundamental human rights and freedoms, in particular the will, honor, and dignity of the individual, which are guaranteed by the Basic Law of the state — the Constitution of Ukraine — are being violated both by the aggressor state and by the citizens of our state. In modern society, the criminal law protection of the freedom, honor, and dignity of the individual is of great importance and occupies a special place in the criminal law system of Ukraine. In the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the CC of Ukraine), liability for infringements on the freedom, honor, and dignity of a person is detailed in Articles 146–151-2, which cover such criminal offenses as unlawful deprivation of liberty or abduction of a person, enforced disappearance, hostage- taking, child substitution, human trafficking, exploitation of children, use of a minor child for begging, and other acts that infringe on the freedom, honor, and dignity of a person. These criminal offenses not only cause significant harm to a specific person, but also undermine the foundations of security, morality, and social justice in society. The article examines the legal mechanisms for protecting the freedom, honor, and dignity of individuals in the context of Articles 146–151-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In particular, the main focus is on problematic issues of criminal law protection of what is most valuable for a state governed by the rule of law—the freedom, honor, and dignity of individuals. The structure and composition of crimes that infringe on the freedom, honor, and dignity of the individual are analyzed. Ensuring an effective mechanism for the criminal law protection of the freedom, honor, and dignity of the individual is one of the key areas of development of the rule of law, the establishment of the supremacy of law, and respect for human rights. Therefore, scientific research into the problems of criminal law protection of freedom, honor, and dignity of the individual in the context of Articles 146–151-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is relevant and necessary. A comprehensive analysis of current legislation and law enforcement practice will make it possible to identify the main directions for improving the effectiveness of the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.