On 4–5 March 2026, a two-day training for regional representatives of pre-trial investigation bodies and the prosecution service took place in Kyiv. The training focused on procedural aspects of investigating and prosecuting criminal offences related to hate crimes in line with Council of Europe standards.

The event was organised by the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine in cooperation with the Prosecutors’ Training Centre of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Regional investigators and prosecutors participated in the training and actively engaged in discussions, practical exercises and case analysis.

The training programme combined theoretical sessions with practical tasks. Participants familiarised themselves with international standards and Council of Europe standards on non-discrimination and the effective investigation of hate crimes across all protected grounds. They also discussed the identification of indicators of possible bias motives, as well as issues related to documentation and evidence in such criminal proceedings. Particular attention was given to the practical aspects of cooperation between pre-trial investigation bodies and prosecutors.

Training and capacity-building activities for pre-trial investigation bodies and prosecutors play an important role in supporting Ukraine in aligning its practices with European human rights and non-discrimination standards. During the training, a total of 30 investigators and prosecutors strengthened their capacity to apply Council of Europe`s standards in the investigation of hate crimes. The programme focused on ensuring that crimes motivated by bias are effectively identified, investigated and prosecuted across all protected grounds, including race, sex, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation and gender identity.

By enhancing the practical skills of law enforcement professionals, the initiative contributes to improving the protection of victims and advancing the consistent application of European human rights standards in Ukraine

At the same time, these training initiatives contribute to the implementation of measures under Roadmap Chapter 23 (Fundamental Rights) and support Ukraine in fulfilling relevant commitments within the EU accession process.

The training was organised with the support of the Council of Europe project “Supporting the reform of the national minority legal framework and the resilience of national minorities and Roma in Ukraine” and the joint European Union and Council of Europe project “Support for implementing European standards relating to anti-discrimination and rights of national minorities in Ukraine”.