Current challenges in Ukraine and the world highlight the importance of strong partnerships in protecting and strengthening European Human Rights Values. Today, during her working visit to Ukraine, Ms Verena Taylor, Director of the Council of Europe Office of the Directorate General of Programmes, met Deputy Director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Mr Oleksandr Sokolov.

During the meeting Ms Taylor expressed gratitude for cooperation throughout 2020. “This cooperation has already produced some promising results”, said Ms Taylor and recalled, “Investigation into human rights violations and, particularly, ill-treatment cases is seen as a priority area by the Council of Europe”. She encouraged the Deputy Director of SBI to develop specialisation of staff dealing with human rights violations and ill-treatment.

Mr Sokolov thanked the Council of Europe for continuous support, flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the institution, especially in the context of current challenges. “What we highly appreciate as well”, said Mr Sokolov, “is that all the support is designed with our direct involvement”

The Council of Europe Project “Supporting Institutions to Combat Ill-Treatment in Ukraine” is implemented to support SBI institutional development and capacity of its staff to effectively investigate ill-treatment and other human rights violations.