Bohdan Khmelnytsky became a member of the Advisory Expert Council of the State Criminal Investigation Service of Ukraine

An important stage of reforming the penitentiary system has begun in Ukraine. The State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine (SES) has established an Advisory Expert Council, which includes human rights defenders, lawyers, representatives of the volunteer community, media, the Ministry of Justice, SES veterans and experts in the field of criminal executive law.

Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a lawyer and founder of Strategic Advocacy, became one of the members of the council.

The main purpose of this body is to develop effective recommendations and reform the penal system of Ukraine in accordance with international standards.

The Advisory Board will work on: analyzing current issues in the field of execution of sentences and probation; developing legislative initiatives to humanize the justice system; protecting the rights of convicts, detainees and prisoners of war; implementing international experience in national practice; and creating working groups to address specific issues.

“Ukraine’s justice system needs reforms, especially in the area of observance of the rights of convicts, prisoners of war and detainees. Together with a team of experts, we have to create mechanisms that will make this system more transparent and fair. I am pleased to join the Council and will do my best to implement the necessary changes!” said Bohdan Khmelnytsky.

The newly created body is headed by Roman Bochkala, a journalist, human rights activist, volunteer and anti-corruption activist.

“This is not just another council, but a real tool for change. We must ensure that the rights of convicts and prisoners of war are respected in accordance with international standards. This is a huge responsibility, and I am grateful for the trust!” said Roman Bochkala.

The reform of the penitentiary system is not just an internal issue for Ukraine, but one of the conditions for European integration. Ukraine needs to adapt its penal system to EU standards, ensuring transparency of processes and protection of human rights.

The creation of the Advisory Expert Council is an important step in this direction. The team of experts will work on improving legislation, monitoring the activities of penitentiary institutions and implementing international experience.