From 20 to 22 May 2026, another “Workshop on Effective Investigation of Torture and Ill-Treatment”, organised by the Council of Europe, took place in Kyiv. The event formed part of the Council of Europe’s continued support to Ukraine in implementing European human rights standards and ensuring effective investigations into violations of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The workshop brought together 24 professionals from 11 regions of Ukraine, including representatives of the State Bureau of Investigation, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine and prosecutors. Over the course of three days, participants deepened their understanding of the practical application of the European Court of Human Rights case-law, work with victims, and modern approaches to investigating cases of torture and ill-treatment. A separate session focused on the Istanbul Protocol – the international standard for documenting torture and ill-treatment, which serves as an important tool for the effective investigation of such cases.
Particular attention was paid to documenting violations, the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and the application of Council of Europe standards in the daily work of investigative bodies and prosecutors. Participants analysed common mistakes arising during evidence collection and discussed ways to avoid them in real cases.
The practical component centred around a model case exercise. This format enabled participants to work through the full cycle of an investigation – from the initial documentation of physical injuries and psychological consequences to evidence collection, interaction with victims, and ensuring their right to a fair trial. Such practical work with realistic scenarios remains one of the key advantages of the workshop compared to traditional training formats.
The Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Combating Torture in the Criminal Justice System envisages dedicated training for investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation and prosecutors, as well as the integration of standards for effective pre-trial investigation into their practical work.
In the context of the war of agression, effective investigation of torture and ill-treatment has become particularly important. Documenting and proving such crimes is not only a matter of justice for individual victims, but also part of a broader system of human rights protection, strengthening public trust in the criminal justice system, and fulfilling Ukraine’s international obligations.
The workshop was organised by the Council of Europe within the framework of the projects “Strengthening Ukrainian Law Enforcement Agencies During War and Post-War Period – Phase II” and “Fostering Human Rights in the Criminal Justice System in Ukraine – Phase II” in cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General. The projects are implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026.
