CAT/OP/UKR/1 I. Introduction 1. In accordance with articles 1 and 11 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT), the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) conducted a visit to Ukraine from 16 to 25 May 2011.1 2. The SPT was represented by the following members: Malcolm Evans (Chairperson and Head of Delegation), Mari Amos, Arman Danielyan, Lowell Patria Goddard, Zbigniew Lasocik, Aisha Shujune Muhammad, Hans Draminsky Petersen, Maria Margarida Pressburger, and Víctor Rodríguez-Rescia. 3. The SPT was assisted by Patrice Gillibert (Secretary of the SPT), Dmitri Alechkevitch, Yulia Babuzhina, and Michelle Kierulf, from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In addition, the SPT was assisted by Dmitry Cherepanov and Andrej Putintsev (United Nations Field and Security Officers), and six interpreters. 4. During its visit to Ukraine, the SPT observed the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in a broad range of institutions in different parts of the country.2 Unless otherwise noted, the SPT considers that its findings reflect the general situation of persons deprived of their liberty in the State party. 5. Whilst not all places visited are mentioned in this report, the SPT reserves the right to comment on any place visited in its future dialogue with the State party. The absence of any comment in this report relating to a particular institution visited by the SPT does not imply either a positive or negative finding in relation to it. 6. In addition to visiting places of detention, the SPT held meetings with government authorities, with the United Nations system in the country, and with members of civil society.3 The SPT wishes to thank them for the valuable information provided. 7. At the conclusion of the visit, the SPT presented its confidential preliminary observations orally to the Ukrainian authorities.4 In the present report, the SPT presents its findings and recommendations concerning the prevention of torture and ill-treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in Ukraine. This report uses the generic term “illtreatment” to refer to any form of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 5 8. The SPT requests the Ukrainian authorities to provide it with a follow-up response within six months from the date of transmission of this report, giving a full account of the State party’s actions taken to implement the recommendations. 9. The present report will remain confidential until such time as the Ukrainian authorities decide to make it public, as stipulated in OPCAT article 16(2). The publication of this report, and of reports adopted by the CPT, will undoubtedly serve as an additional means for preventing torture and ill-treatment in Ukraine, as the SPT considers that the 1 2 3 4 5 The SPT was established following the entry into force of the OPCAT. For more information about the SPT, please consult the webpage: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/opcat/index.htm. See Annex II. See Annex I. The preliminary observations were transmitted to the State party in writing on 9 June 2011. In accordance with article 16 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). 3