ZMINA joined the workshops on the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap on fundamental rights

In January 2026, a series of thematic workshops was held, organised by the Pravo Justice project, focusing on Ukraine’s European integration commitments in the field of human rights. The events were dedicated to the implementation of the Rule of Law Roadmap with regard to fundamental rights and freedoms.

Photo credit: Pravo Justice

The workshops brought together representatives of state authorities, European institutions, international experts and civil society. Their aim was to present European standards and best practices of the Member States of the European Union, as well as to discuss ways of harmonising Ukrainian legislation with the EU acquis within the scope of Chapters 23 and 24.

The Human Rights Centre ZMINA participated in the workshops as a participant and expert organisation. Maryna Demura, Human Rights Expert, and Anastasiia Datsiv, Advocacy Manager for European Integration, represented ZMINA at the event.

During the discussion on the prohibition of torture and cruel treatment, Maryna Demura drew attention to a number of systemic problems that remain relevant in Ukraine.

In particular, the expert noted that the definition of the term “torture” in Article 127 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine still does not comply with international standards. Under international law, the perpetrator of the crime of torture must be exclusively a representative of the state or another person acting in an official capacity, but national legislation does not clearly enshrine this. Therefore, there remains a need to amend the Criminal Code of Ukraine in order to establish a special subject of the crime and to enshrine liability for this offence within the section on crimes related to official activities.

Additionally, Maryna Demura emphasised the absence of progress in the process of transferring penitentiary healthcare to the general healthcare system, which is coordinated and financed by the Ministry of Health.

Photo: Maryna Demura

Among other problems, the expert mentioned the need for further implementation of substitution maintenance therapy in places of deprivation of liberty and ensuring the right of prisoners to choose treatment methods in accordance with the law, as well as the unresolved issue of evacuating Ukrainian citizens from places of deprivation of liberty located near areas of active hostilities.

Maryna Demura emphasised that the recommendations from the Shadow Report, which she was involved in preparing, remain relevant and should be taken into account in future reforms.

During the discussion of institutional guarantees for the protection of human rights, Anastasiia Datsiv presented ZMINA’s position on the draft law on the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights (reg. No. 13181 dated 17 April 2025).

According to her, despite the declared goal of strengthening the institution of the Ombudsman, the draft law does not comply with international standards, in particular the Paris and Venice Principles, as well as the provisions of the Rule of Law Roadmap. The document retains a non-transparent and non-inclusive process for the election and appointment of the Commissioner, which makes the institution vulnerable to political influence.

Photo: Anastasiia Datsiv

In addition, the draft law unreasonably expands the list of entities subject to oversight by the Ombudsman, including civil society organisations, which is inconsistent with the nature of parliamentary oversight of human rights and freedoms.

ZMINA once again called on the Verkhovna Rada to adopt the draft law in the first reading and stressed the need to create a working group to finalise it before the second reading, with the involvement of the human rights community. The organisation also confirmed its readiness to participate in this work, which will enable Ukraine to fulfil its European integration obligations in the field of the rule of law, the deadline for which is set for the fourth quarter of 2026.

On 17 December 2025, the Secretariat of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights hosted an expert discussion “The New Law on the Commissioner. What amendments are needed and what are the prospects for their adoption?” The event brought together about 70 representatives of Parliament, the Office of the Commissioner, human rights organisations and international partners from different regions of Ukraine to discuss the need to update the relevant legislation, in particular key provisions, compliance with international standards, the advantages and problems of draft law No. 13181 and the reasons for its prolonged lack of consideration in Parliament.