The Reform Prisoners Never Saw: What Was Really Left Undone in the Penitentiary System Reform Strategy
In December 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the Strategy for the Reform of the Penitentiary System for the Period until 2026. Its stated aim was to create a humanistic penal system that respects human dignity, guarantees safety, and facilitates the reintegration of convicts into society. Less than six months remain until the end of the Strategy’s term. Results can already be evaluated today.
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.
Prisoners and Convicts in Ukraine in 2025. Statistical Overview
© “Donetsk Memorial” The annual review by the “Donetsk Memorial” records a reduction in Ukraine’s prison population to 34,925 persons across 86 facilities as of the beginning of 2026. The document analyses parole, mortality, morbidity, and systemic violations of prisoners’ rights against the backdrop of the ongoing armed conflict
Will the Law on Wilful Disobedience by Convicts Be Repealed? Analysing the Bill
A bill proposing to humanise the legislation in the field of execution of criminal penalties is currently under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada. We spoke with our expert, Andriy Didenko, about the pros and cons of this legislative initiative.An interactive map showing the activities of human rights monitors in the field of human rights compliance in places of detention across Ukraine.
We place particular emphasis on the protection of prisoners’ rights — those whom, as a rule, no one else can help. People held in places of detention often remain outside the public eye, and violations of their rights go unnoticed. That is why independent public monitoring is a vital tool for safeguarding human dignity and preventing torture and ill-treatment.
This map shows the places of detention for which reports have been prepared following monitoring visits. Select an institution on the map and click the "more" link in the pop-up box to view its description and access the relevant monitoring reports.
Guide to the sections
News
Current developments in Ukraine’s prison system and in the field of human rights protection in places of detention. This section publishes information materials and reports on the activities of human rights organisations. It keeps the public, legal professionals and relatives of detainees informed about the observance of citizens’ rights in closed institutions.
Articles
Analytical materials, expert studies and publications on Ukraine’s prison system and the protection of human rights. This collection includes legal commentaries and analyses of reforms to the criminal justice system. The publications are aimed at human rights defenders, lawyers, academics and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding the observance of human rights in places of detention.
Correspondence
This section contains appeals, complaints and letters from detainees and convicted prisoners, as well as official responses from state bodies and prison authorities. The material illustrates the actual state of compliance with citizens’ rights in places of detention and the response of state institutions to identified violations, and serves as a practical source of information on the specifics of legal protection for convicted persons and their interaction with the system.
Printed edition
Books, brochures, periodicals and reports published by human rights organisations. This collection includes guidance manuals for prisoners and their relatives, analytical reports on the state of human rights compliance, and legal and historical studies of the prison system. The materials are designed to raise citizens’ legal awareness, provide practical advice and familiarise specialists with the results of work in this field.
Monitoring of the penal system
Reports and publications on monitoring visits to places of detention in Ukraine. Information on the actual conditions of detention in prisons and pre-trial detention centres, the state of medical care, and instances of violations of detainees’ rights. Findings by independent monitors and recommendations aimed at improving the conditions of detention for citizens in closed institutions in accordance with legal standards.
Statistics on the penalty system
Quantitative data and indicators characterising the state of Ukraine’s prison system. Statistical reports on the number of convicted persons and prisoners, the breakdown of offences, mortality rates in prisons, and other official information. These materials assist in conducting an objective analysis of trends, assessing the effectiveness of reforms and monitoring developments in the field of the execution of sentences.
Legislation
Legislation and regulations governing the operation of the prison system and the protection of the rights of persons in places of detention. National legislation, departmental orders, instructions and directives, as well as international conventions, UN and Council of Europe standards, and judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Created as a reference database for human rights defenders, lawyers, prison staff, prisoners and their relatives to provide quick access to current legal provisions.
Decisions of Ukrainian courts
This section contains a selection of court rulings relating to the operation of the prison system and the protection of the rights of convicted persons and those in custody. It brings together case law from national courts at various levels concerning conditions of detention, appeals against decisions made by prison authorities, and other relevant legal aspects. The materials are aimed at lawyers, human rights defenders and anyone interested in legal practice in this field.
Decision of the European Court
This section brings together judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning the rights of convicted and detained persons. The main focus is on landmark cases against Ukraine concerning conditions of detention, the prohibition of ill-treatment and the right to a fair trial. These publications serve as a source of information for studying international standards and the practical application of the provisions of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights.
Departmental bodies
This section contains a systematic list of institutions within Ukraine’s prison system, along with their descriptions, current contact details and addresses. For each institution, links are provided to reports on the findings of monitoring visits by human rights defenders, which reflect the actual state of human rights compliance in places of detention. To facilitate the search for information, the list of institutions is organised by region and by inter-regional departments for the enforcement of criminal sentences.
Sample documents
This section contains standard forms, templates and letterheads for applications, complaints, petitions and other correspondence. These materials have been designed for prisoners, detainees, their relatives and human rights defenders to use when dealing with prison authorities, the courts and law enforcement agencies. Using these ready-made templates simplifies the process of preparing documents independently and defending one’s rights.
Answers to questions
This section provides guidance on common situations that arise in the context of the enforcement of sentences. It brings together information on the rights of convicted persons and prisoners, rules governing visits, the delivery of parcels, access to medical care and other practical matters. The materials have been prepared on the basis of current legislation, helping users to quickly find answers to basic legal and everyday questions.
Important contacts
This section contains a list of useful links and contact details for government bodies, human rights organisations and institutions that provide free legal aid. It brings together the contact details of organisations that convicted persons, prisoners or their relatives can turn to in order to protect their rights or obtain legal advice. The information is organised to enable a quick search for the necessary details should the need arise.
Contact us
This section is intended for contacting the website administration. Users can use the contact form to send questions or suggestions regarding the website, or to report technical issues. The form can also be used to share information or materials relating to the prison system and the protection of human rights. All enquiries received are dealt with by the administration as far as possible.
KPG Internet projects
Human rights in Ukraine
Information portal of the Kharkiv Human Rights Group. The site publishes current information about the activities of the organisation, news reports, analytical articles, special projects, monitoring data on events and phenomena related to human rights in Ukraine.
Go to siteKPG Internet projects
The right to privacy
The site contains decisions of international judicial bodies in precedent-setting cases and analytical articles on issues of violation of personal data protection, illegal wiretapping, defamation and other issues related to the human right to privacy.
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