The Council of Europe Director of Human Rights, Clare Ovey, conducted a visit to Ukraine from 14 to 16 October 2025, underscoring the Council of Europe´s commitment to supporting human rights, justice reform and the rule of law amid the ongoing war.
The visit began with a field mission to Bucha and Irpin where Clare Ovey paid tribute to victims of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and observed the Custody Records Unit of the National Police - supported by the Council of Europe as a key safeguard against ill-treatment in detention. Highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to uphold human rights during wartime, she praised the transparency and accountability of the system in place. “Observing the dedication of Ukrainian law enforcement to uphold human rights in such difficult circumstances is remarkable,” Clare Ovey said. “It is striking to see the Custody Records system and the respective infrastructure in place to ensure the transparency and the protection of individual rights while nearby streets are historically marked with gross violations by the occupying force.”
In her high-level bilateral meetings with the Ukrainian authorities, including the Minister of Justice, the President of the Supreme Court, the Acting President of the Constitutional Court, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, the Deputy Prosecutor General and the Prosecutor General’s Office, discussions focused on the Council of Europe´s support to Ukraine in the face of the Russian Federation’s aggression. Judicial and prosecutorial reform, fair trial rights, the prevention of human rights violations in criminal proceedings and the overall alignment with European standards were a central focus. Special attention was given to war crimes cases, trials in absentia and excessive pre-trial detention. Clare Ovey reaffirmed the Council of Europe’s long-term partnership with Ukraine in strengthening human rights, the rule of law and democracy, and ensuring justice for victims of war, noting that preparations are already underway for the next Council of Europe Action Plan on Ukraine.
At the Conference on Responsible Business for the Recovery of Ukraine, "A Path to Sustainable Investments and European Integration", the message of Clare Ovey was that a resilient, independent and efficient justice system, in line with the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, fosters trust, attracts investors and protects human rights. “It is vital for Ukraine to rebuild, to ensure jobs and bright futures for veterans and displaced people when they come home. This is a huge challenge - particularly in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression - but it also provides an opportunity to build an economy that puts the people of Ukraine, social rights and environmental protection at the centre," Clare Ovey said at the Conference, concluding her visit to Kyiv.
