As Ukraine continues its EU integration process, the Rule of Law Roadmap serves as a key strategic guide for aligning national legislation, policies, and practices with European standards.

Through an intensive workshop, representatives of the national authorities, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders strengthened their capacity to effectively implement the measures outlined in the Rule of Law Roadmap related to the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, advancing Ukraine’s progress toward EU membership

They improved their knowledge about:

• The practical application of recommendations from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT)
• Strengthening safeguards against torture in the Draft Law of Ukraine “On the Penitentiary System”

They have also discussed in depth systemic challenges related to detention conditions, overcrowding in pre-trial detention centers, access to healthcare and out-of-cell activities, as well as to the need to ensure the principle of equivalence of medical care in line with European standards.

The activity provided the national authorities with necessary knowledge and tools to advance the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap.

This activity was carried out on 23 January 2026 within the framework of the Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Detention Conditions and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine (DECOPRIS),” which is implemented as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine 2023-2026: “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” and in close cooperation with EU-funded “Pravo-Justice” project.