On 25 April 2025, the results of the Legal Analysis of the Regulatory Framework for Inspectors on Torture Prevention in the Ukrainian Penitentiary System were presented to the relevant stakeholders. The analysis, prepared by George Tugushi, Council of Europe International Consultant, is based on a comprehensive review of national legislation, internal regulations, institutional practices, and relevant international standards, particularly the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). It also integrates key findings from the focus group discussion held on 27 March 2025 with senior inspectors responsible for torture prevention.

The presentation provided a platform to discuss key expert recommendations, such as the independence of torture prevention inspectors, their role within the complaint handling mechanisms, cooperation with other oversight bodies, the need for specialised and continuous training, and next steps to strengthen this vital internal oversight function within the Ukrainian penitentiary system. As a result, the State Department for Execution of Criminal Sanctions will use the recommendations in the following months when introducing targeted changes into the initial regulatory framework governing the duties and responsibilities of the inspectors.

As a next step, the DECOPRIS Project will organise a 4-day hybrid training for newly appointed inspectors in May 2025. This training will focus on the Council of Europe human rights protection standards, the CPT recommendations, the EPR, and best practices in torture prevention monitoring.

The activity took place within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Towards More Humane Detention Conditions and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS), and marked another step forward in the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the State Department for Execution of Criminal Sanctions (SDECS), and the Council of Europe.