Human rights defenders presented an alternative report at the UN on how Ukraine combats torture

On 23 April 2025, the key recommendations of the Alternative Report to the UN Committee against Torture on Ukraine’s fulfilment of its international obligations under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment were presented in Geneva at the 82nd session of the UN Committee against Torture.

This report was prepared by a coalition of organisations, including ZMINA, Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group, Ukraine without Torture and Freerights, with the support of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT).

The report’s recommendations were presented to the UN Committee against Torture and civil society representatives at a closed briefing. The event was moderated by Evindar Başboğa, Human Rights Officer of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT).

Alina Pavliuk, an Analyst with the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group, drew attention to the need to bring Ukrainian legislation on the most serious international crimes in line with international law. She pointed out the need to revise the articles of the Criminal Code on complicity and joint commission of a crime to comply with international standards on participation in the commission of a crime. The expert also highlighted the main problems with documenting and investigating torture committed by Russia during the armed conflict.

Maryna Demura, Evindar Başboğa, Alina Pavliuk

Maryna Demura, an Expert with the Human Rights Centre ZMINA, also presented her recommendations. She stressed that the definition of the crime of torture in Article 127 of the Criminal Code should be harmonised with the definition in the Convention against Torture. Demura also pointed out the need to check the exact time of detention by the investigating judge when choosing a preventive measure, as well as to indicate whether there were delays in bringing the person to court or notifying them of suspicion. Another important issue is the introduction of clear criteria to be followed by the court when deciding on the use of forced feeding of persons in custody.

The report was presented and discussed with government officials at a closed roundtable in Kyiv on 16 April 2025.

The report is available here.