Report on the Monitoring Visit to the Lutsk Pre-Trial Detention Centre
The monitoring group recorded significant breaches of national and international standards at the Lutsk SIZO. The main problems concern overcrowded cells, lack of privacy, restrictions on visits and the poor condition of the shelter. Despite efforts to restore the infrastructure, the facility lacks staff and adequate conditions.
Report on the Monitoring Visit to ‘Manevychi Correctional Colony No. 42’
During the inspection, the human rights defenders recorded a number of violations of prisoners’ rights: inadequate material conditions, shortcomings in medical care, restricted Internet access and a neglected bomb shelter. Despite the problems identified, positive changes were also noted at the institution: residential premises are being renovated and the heating system modernised.
Report on the Monitoring Visit to Horodyshche Correctional Colony No. 96
The main problems concern the organisation of work with newly arrived convicts in the QDAU, the material and living conditions in the DIU/CTP and the MSS, the provision of privacy, access to drinking water and information on mechanisms for the protection of rights. At the same time, the institution's good practices were noted in the areas of physical activity, engagement with the local community and commemoration of staff members who were killed defending Ukraine, as well as the renovated premises for convicts.
The “Donetsk Memorial” Non-Governmental Organisation and the History of the Creation of the “Prison Website”
The non-governmental organisation “Donetsk Memorial” has been carrying out systematic research into the Ukrainian penitentiary system since 1998. The organisation’s official website, the “Prison Website”, has gathered reliable data about prisons in a single place: the addresses of institutions, regulatory documents, judgments of the ECtHR, expert assessments and twenty annual reports on the observance of prisoners’ rights.
Report on the Monitoring Visit to Katerynivka Correctional Colony No. 46
A number of systemic problems have been identified in the protection of prisoners’ rights. Shortcomings have been identified in the work of the Security and Order Unit, as well as in the provision of material and living conditions at the Detention Centre for Temporary Detention and the Pre-trial Detention Centre. The facility lacks adequate civil defence shelters, and there is a staff shortfall of 128 posts. The organisation of work is a particular cause for concern.
Report on the findings of a monitoring visit to Polytska Correctional Colony No. 76
Positive developments were noted in connection with the repair and refurbishment works carried out. Shortcomings were identified in the conduct of social, educational and psychological work, in disciplinary procedures, in the arrangement of short-term visits and in the provision of access to the Internet and to video communication, as was the absence of a proper civil defence shelter.
Report on the Monitoring Visit to Kaharlyk Correctional Colony No. 115
Alongside positive practices, the monitors identified a number of systemic shortcomings in upholding prisoners’ rights and in providing proper conditions for serving sentences. They found that the standard floor space was not respected, that certain premises were inadequately furnished and equipped, that sanitary and hygiene requirements were breached, that medical supervision was deficient and that the institution was understaffed. Access to the Internet is also restricted.
The Bullet That Was Never Fired: Twenty-Five Years On
Ukraine stopped shooting people — yet for some the death sentence merely changed its form. A forged signature, an unexamined volume of the case file, an unverified alibi, allegations of torture. Twenty-five years after the abolition of capital punishment, the state has still failed to create an effective mechanism for reviewing verdicts handed down under post-Soviet rules.
Report on the Results of a Monitoring Visit to Korosten Correctional Colony No. 71
Positive changes were recorded with regard to the improvement of material and living conditions, in particular the carrying out of repair works in the residential, sanitary and other premises of the institution. At the same time, a number of systemic problems were identified in the provision of proper conditions of detention, the organisation of disciplinary practice, medical provision, and the realisation of convicted persons’ rights to work, rest, social protection and the maintenance of contact with the outside world.
Report on the Findings of a Monitoring Visit to Raiky Correctional Colony No. 73
Positive changes were recorded in connection with the repair and refurbishment of individual facilities within the institution, the establishment of a quarantine, diagnosis and distribution unit, the renovation of the catering unit, and the continued implementation of the pilot project “SPS — On the Way Home (SCANDI)”. At the same time, the monitoring visit revealed numerous violations. The organisation of prisoners’ labour requires particular attention. Substantial shortcomings were also identified in the work of the medical unit.
Report on the results of a monitoring visit to Berdychiv Correctional Centre No. 108
During the monitoring visit, certain convicted persons obstructed the monitors’ work, including the conduct of confidential interviews, while the staff of the institution failed to ensure proper conditions for the safe and unimpeded conduct of the visit. During confidential interviews, convicted persons reported overtime work, low pay and shortcomings in the medical provision for those engaged in labour.