“Systemic deficiencies in the functioning of the Ukrainian judicial system seriously hinder the enjoyment of human rights. The authorities should take resolute steps to better address these problems” said today the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, upon publishing a report based on the findings of his visit to Ukraine from 19 to 26 November 2011.

The Commissioner recommended simplifying the overall organisation of the judiciary and clarifying fully the respective roles and jurisdiction of different levels in the court system, in particular at the cassation level. Concrete measures are also needed to increase transparency of the judicial system and make it more open to public scrutiny. (more…)

- Ukraine and the Council of Europe