On 10 April 2026, a Custody Records (CR) Unit established with the support of the Council of Europe was officially opened at a National Police facility in Chernihiv, marking another step in strengthening human rights protection in police custody across Ukraine.
Ivan Ishchenko, Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernihiv Oblast highlighted that “with numerous security-related challenges stipulated by proximity of some 500 kilometers of border with the Russian Federation and Belarus our Oblast has to manage, it’s not often that we receive such support for advancement and protection of human rights. Yet, it is in such regions that it is essential to ensure local community is protected and trusts police.”
The opening in Chernihiv region highlights the continued expansion of the Custody Records system beyond regions with relatively stable security conditions, now as well covering regions that have been directly affected by the consequences of the war and face ongoing security and operational challenges.
Speaking at the opening, Maciej Janczak, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine emphasised the importance of consistent implementation and continued support: “It is truly commendable to see that all relevant standards and procedures of the Custody Records system and the work of human rights inspectors are consistently implemented across all units. The progress is steady despite the war, and we will continue to stand by your side by providing expertise on the effectiveness of the system, supporting the functioning of human rights inspectors and equipping more units. This support will be further strengthened under the new Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2027–2030, ensuring continued training and development of the system.”
To date, the Custody Records system has been introduced in 148 police units out of 514 required nationwide, covering approximately 30% of need. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe welcomed “positive indications demonstrating the impact of the measures taken,” noting that “the further expansion of the ‘Custody Records’ system…to be welcomed, especially in view of the CPT’s recommendations to introduce the ‘Custody Records’ system in all police establishments…”
Mr. Ruslan Horiachenko, Head of the Department of Main Inspection and Human Rights, underlined the systemic importance of the mechanism: “The Custody Records system is not just a technical solution – it is a comprehensive mechanism that changes the way police work with detainees. Human rights inspectors are central to this system, ensuring that human rights standards are applied in practice and acting as a bridge between the police and society. As the network of Custody Records units expands, it is essential to continue strengthening their capacities and ensuring that the system functions effectively in every region.”
The support was provided by the Council of Europe within the framework of the project “Strengthening Ukrainian Law Enforcement Agencies During War and Post-War Period – Phase II” (Project) in cooperation with the National Police of Ukraine. The Project is being implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026 in cooperation with the National Police of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Security Service of Ukraine.
