On 25 April 2025, within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Towards More Humane Detention Conditions and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS), the results of the Legal Analysis of the Regulatory Framework for Inspectors on Torture Prevention in the Ukrainian Penitentiary System were presented. The event 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.
The analysis, prepared by George Tugushi, Council of Europe 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). The analysis 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 critical issues such as the independence of torture prevention inspectors, their role within 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.
"I am not aware of any other similar mechanism operating elsewhere in Europe. It is very positive that Ukraine is developing such an innovative approach. We are ready to support its further evolution at all stages", emphasised George Tugushi during the event.
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 DECOPRIS Project remains committed to supporting the State Department for Execution of Criminal Sanctions in strengthening the protection of prisoners' rights in line with Council of Europe standards and fostering more humane detention conditions across Ukraine.
The Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026). DECOPRIS aims to enhance the protection of prisoners’ rights by improving prison management practices and advancing rehabilitation efforts.
