“I strongly encourage the Ukrainian authorities to pursue reforms in the areas of law enforcement, the public prosecutor’s office and the judicial system. Ensuring effective investigations into human rights violations is essential to restore public trust in institutions,” concluded the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, after a visit to Ukraine (Kyiv and Odessa) from 16 to 19 June 2014.

The Commissioner was informed that a draft law on the public prosecutor’s office has been prepared for a second reading in the Parliament. “It is important not to delay the adoption of the law, having regard to Council of Europe recommendations, and the reform of the prosecution service, which is a key actor in the criminal justice system,” emphasised the Commissioner.

The effectiveness of investigations into human rights violations is a core human rights issue and there is an urgent need to ensure that ongoing investigations meet international human rights standards for thoroughness, promptness, transparency and victim involvement. “A number of my interlocutors have expressed concerns about the need to ensure greater transparency of official investigations, while at the same time respecting the presumption of innocence and the need to protect personal information.” (more...)

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Ukraine and the Council of Europe