Working meetings were held at the State Institutions “Raykivska Correctional Colony (No. 73)” and “Berdychiv Correctional Colony (No. 70)” between the institutions’ management and the Regional Coordinator of the REAct project (Rights – Evidence – Action).
The participants discussed procedures for cooperation in cases where information is received concerning possible human rights violations, as well as mechanisms for their proper recording, documentation and subsequent response. Particular attention was paid to the importance of providing persons in custody with timely information about their rights, available means of protecting them, and opportunities to obtain legal assistance.
An important part of the discussion focused on ensuring equal access to medical and social services, particularly for vulnerable groups. This includes, in particular, people living with HIV and those affected by tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and other diseases.
Within the REAct project, particular importance is attached to the ability to not only record information about possible human rights violations, but also ensure an appropriate response to such cases and contribute to the restoration of violated rights. This approach makes it possible to identify problematic issues in a timely manner, determine ways to address them, and strengthen the legal protection of people held in places of detention.
One of the key areas of the meetings was strengthening practical mechanisms for responding to possible human rights violations in places of detention and ensuring that persons held in penitentiary institutions have access to effective mechanisms for protecting their rights and legitimate interests.
Following the working meetings, the parties identified further areas of cooperation aimed at improving mechanisms for responding to possible human rights violations, expanding access to legal assistance, and strengthening guarantees for the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of persons held in penitentiary institutions.
Ensuring human rights in places of detention requires not only compliance with established standards, but also the availability of clear, accessible and effective mechanisms through which every person can report a possible violation, receive the necessary assistance and seek an appropriate response. Strengthening such mechanisms is at the heart of the cooperation under the REAct project.