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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
During the inspection, human rights monitors recorded a number of violations of prisoners’ rights: inadequate material conditions, shortcomings in medical provision, restricted access to the Internet, and a neglected state shelter. Despite the problems found, the facility also showed positive changes — repairs are being carried out in living quarters and the heating system is being modernized.
In 15.09.2026, pursuant to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, taking into account the provisions of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules) and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and on the basis of article 24 of the Criminal Executive Code of Ukraine “Visits to penal institutions,” a monitoring visit was carried out by a group of monitors from the Kharkiv Human Rights Group and the NGO “Protection of Prisoners of Ukraine” to the state institution “Manevychi Correctional Colony (No.42)” (hereinafter — MCC-42, the institution, the facility, the colony).
A routine scheduled visit without prior notice was conducted, during which all facilities of the institution were examined. The previous visit took place in 06.02.2023.
In preparing for the visit, monitors used materials from appeals by prisoners and their relatives, materials from previous reports, as well as reports by monitors of the National Preventive Mechanism at the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights (NPM).
The visit was carried out within the project “Seeking Justice for Survivors,” funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark with support from the Danish Institute Against Torture — DIGNITY.
The visit was carried out by the following monitors:
Andrii Didenko — assistant to Member of Parliament of Ukraine Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, program coordinator of the Kharkiv Human Rights Group, has experience in monitoring visits since 2014, NPM monitor (National Preventive Mechanism), member of the NPM advisory council;
Serhii Zuikov — assistant to Member of Parliament of Ukraine Kostyantyn Kasai, member of the public council at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, member of the NGO “Protection of Prisoners of Ukraine,” NPM monitor, has many years of experience in monitoring visits;
Oleh Tsviilyi — member of the public council at the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, head of the NGO “Protection of Prisoners of Ukraine,” has significant experience in monitoring visits, specializing in issues of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Following the monitoring visit to MCC-42, a number of systemic shortcomings in the observance of prisoners’ rights were identified. In particular, violations were found in the organization of work with newly arrived prisoners in the quarantine, diagnostics and distribution unit (KDiR), inadequate material and living conditions in KDiR and the disciplinary isolation/detached cell units (DIZO/PKT), insufficient privacy, natural lighting and ventilation, shortcomings in social and educational work, bath-laundry services, the organization of visits, and a significant understaffing of personnel.
Special attention is required regarding the exercise of the right to work and social protection. Instances were found of prolonged systematic involvement of prisoners in unpaid work in the food unit with reference to paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine. The need was also noted to ensure proper individualized accounting of wages, single social contribution (ESC) and the formation of insurance record periods.
Practical opportunities to use the Internet are restricted: the last entry in the relevant log is dated 30.07.2026, the video-call log is not kept, and the computers in the Internet class lack access to the websites of the Kharkiv Human Rights Group (KHP) and the NGO “Protection of Prisoners of Ukraine” (PPU). The shelter is in a neglected state, not equipped with ventilation, sewerage, a functioning toilet, and has no second exit.
In the medical unit, staff shortages were found, deficiencies in obtaining patients’ informed consent, absence of opioid substitution therapy (OST), problems providing psychiatric and psychological care, conducting PCR diagnostics for hepatitis C, rehabilitating persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for persons with limited mobility, use of telemedicine, dental diagnostics and provision of hospital supplies.
At the same time, it was positively noted that repair works have been carried out, living and sanitary facilities have been renovated, conditions for visits have improved, the heating system has been modernized, and certain elements of the facility’s material and technical base have been updated.
General information
MCC-42 is a medium-security penal institution for holding men who had previously served custodial sentences.
The facility is located at: Andrii Snitko Street, 25, Manevychi settlement, Kamin-Kashyrskyi district, Volyn region.
The history of the state institution “Manevychi Correctional Colony (No.42)” dates back to 1958. The institution was organized in March 1958. In the initial period, construction of residential and production buildings, a bathhouse, a group boiler house and a wicker furniture workshop was carried out simultaneously. In 1958, a secondary school began operating on the colony’s territory, and in May 1959 the production of wicker furniture was launched. Subsequently, woodworking became one of the institution’s traditional production activities.
At the time of the visit the head of the institution was Oleksandr Vasylovych Muzyka.
The facility’s structure includes administrative buildings, a duty unit, residential and production zones, the quarantine, diagnostics and distribution unit (KDiR), the social and psychological service (SPS) department, rooms for DIZO/PKT (disciplinary isolation/room-type premises), a dining hall and food block, a medical unit, bath-laundry complex, premises for short-term and long-term visits, a shop, a club, a library, educational rooms, sports facilities, production premises and workshops, and utility and storage premises.
According to the facility administration, the staff establishment is 329,2 posts, of which 110 posts are additional. The actual number of staff is 198,5 posts. The personnel shortage is 21 persons, of which 5 are middle and senior management posts, 11 are rank-and-file and junior management posts, 5 are contract employees. The planned capacity of the facility is 1062 persons. The actual number of persons held is 310, of whom 19 are remand prisoners and 291 are sentenced persons. During 2026, 188 persons arrived at the colony. During 2025, 4 persons died, in 2026 — 1 sentenced person.
On operational and preventive records there are: prone to suicide — 10 sentenced persons and 1 remand prisoner; prone to self-mutilation — 4 sentenced persons and 1 remand prisoner; prone to escape — 4 sentenced persons; persistent violators of the established order of serving the sentence — 33 sentenced persons and 2 remand prisoners. During 2026, 1 person was released due to serious illness. Disability group I — 1 person, group II — 3 persons, group III — 7 persons. During 2025, 7 cases of bodily injury were recorded while persons were in the institution, during 2026 — 6 cases. Prisoners have in their personal use 122 tablets, 37 email addresses are registered. In total there are 38 segregated persons. In the last six months 8 acts of prosecutorial response were recorded. In 2025 one criminal proceeding was registered under article 391 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in 2026 — one.
Monitors interviewed and spoke with approximately 160 sentenced persons during visits to living quarters, SPS departments, DIZO/PKT, production premises and workshops, the medical unit, the food block, utility and other premises of the institution. General conversations with provision of consultations and answers to questions were held, surveys regarding possible human rights violations, as well as individual communication with persons, including on conditions of anonymity.
Positive experience
During the monitoring visit it was positively noted that a complex of repair and housekeeping works was conducted in the institution aimed at improving the conditions of prisoners’ detention and renewing the material and technical base.
During the examined period, the quarantine, diagnostics and distribution unit, living quarters of the social and psychological service departments and the social rehabilitation unit were repaired. Works were carried out to replace roofs, electrical wiring, doors and windows, and to repair sleeping quarters and corridors. Living spaces for prisoners were arranged with consideration of individual space, rooms for food intake, educational work and emotional relief were renewed.
Measures to improve sanitary and household conditions are positive. Bathroom doors to ensure privacy are being installed, water supply systems and sanitary equipment updated, and washroom rooms repaired. Metal-plastic windows were purchased and installed with funds from a grant from Manevychi settlement council.
Repairs were carried out in cell-type premises of DIZO and the pretrial detention facility, including renewing walls, ceilings and floors, and replacing some wooden windows with modern metal-plastic constructions.
Notably, conditions for maintaining prisoners’ social ties have improved. A higher-comfort visiting room was renovated, sanitary equipment was updated and a modern shower area was installed. The institution purchased mobile phones to enable prisoners to make telephone calls.
Heating system modernization was also carried out, and technical security equipment, fire equipment and communication means are being updated.
Overall, the works carried out in the institution indicate a gradual renewal of its material and household base. Especially positive from the standpoint of protecting prisoners’ rights are measures to improve living and sanitary conditions, ensure privacy, renovate rooms for social and educational work, and create better conditions for maintaining contact with relatives.
Violations of national and international law identified
During the monitoring visit, violations of national legislation and non-compliance with international recommendations in the field of treatment of prisoners were identified, leading to violations of prisoners’ rights:
1. The procedure and conditions for admitting sentenced persons to the institution do not fully comply with the requirements of current Ukrainian legislation and international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
Pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 of Section II of the Regulations on the quarantine, diagnostics and distribution unit, approved by order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 04.11.2013 No.2300/5 (hereinafter — the Regulations on the KDiR unit), in order to organize work with newly arrived prisoners the head of the institution forms a working group composed of the deputies of the head of the institution, heads of structural units, a psychologist and a medical worker.
For planning this work, each year a program is drawn up to acquaint newly arrived prisoners with the procedure and conditions of serving the sentence, which is approved by the head of the institution.
Pursuant to paragraph 8 of Section II of the Regulations on the KDiR unit, holding prisoners in conditions of isolation (quarantine) includes, among other things, implementation of a program to acquaint prisoners with the conditions and procedure of serving the sentence.
Pursuant to paragraph 5 of Section II of the Regulations on the KDiR unit, planning of the measures of the program to acquaint newly arrived prisoners is carried out in such a way that each member of the working group visits the KDiR unit at least once a week.
However, it was found that the implementation of the measures envisaged by the program to acquaint newly arrived prisoners with the procedure and conditions of serving the sentence is carried out in violation of the requirements regarding their periodicity, in particular the obligation of each member of the working group to visit the KDiR unit at least once a week.
Thus, in the period from 07.09.2026 to 13.09.2026, according to the KDiR visit log kept by the administration, only seven of the ten working group members conducted activities with newly arrived prisoners, which does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 5 of Section II of the Regulations on the KDiR unit.
2. Contrary to paragraph 1 of Section II of the Regulations on the KDiR unit, the working group responsible for working with newly arrived prisoners does not include a medical worker and the head of the financial support and accounting department — the chief accountant.
3. During the visit to the quarantine, diagnostics and distribution unit (KDiR) the practice of involving certain prisoners in functions related to maintaining order and controlling the behavior of other prisoners was recorded. In practice the administration delegated to three prisoners (duty prisoners) powers to supervise newly arrived prisoners and to control their compliance with the daily routine, which is unacceptable.
This contradicts the third paragraph of paragraph 4 of Section II of the Internal Regulations of Penal Institutions, approved by order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 28.08.2018 No.2823/5 (hereinafter — IR PI), as well as paragraph 2 of Section I of the Regulations on the KDiR unit.
At the same time, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2020 the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (hereinafter — the Committee) expressed serious doubts about the practice of using some prisoners as “duty prisoners” who perform functions of control over other prisoners in living quarters and at production sites and report to staff any incidents or breaches of the regime. Moreover, despite specific recommendations previously issued by the Committee, the practice of using “duty prisoners” is also officially provided for in the Internal Regulations of Penal Institutions. As already emphasized, the Committee considers any partial abdication of responsibility for order and security in prisons by regime staff unacceptable. Such practice exposes weaker prisoners to the risk of ill-treatment and exploitation by other prisoners. The Committee calls on the Ukrainian authorities to take all necessary measures, including legislative measures, to put an end to this practice. No prisoner in any penitentiary facility in the country should have power over other prisoners. (CPT/Inf (2020) 40, paragraph 27)
4. The monitoring group established that the material and household supply of the KDiR unit does not fully comply with established normative requirements. Thus, contrary to the Norms on provision of furniture, inventory and household items for a medium-security correctional colony, approved by order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 27.07.2012 No.1118/5 (hereinafter — the Provision Norms), the unit lacks a number of premises, namely: an educational work room; a cloakroom; a household room.
The absence and improper arrangement of these premises do not ensure adequate material and household and sanitary-hygienic conditions of detention, complicate the maintenance of proper sanitary conditions and order, and negatively affect the adaptation process of newly arrived prisoners to the conditions of serving the sentence.
5. The toilet in the KDiR unit is not equipped with doors and sufficient partitions providing the possibility of privacy, which is a violation of rule 19.3 of the European Prison Rules and rule 15 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
6. Contrary to rule 22.5 of the European Prison Rules, rule 22.2 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules) and the Provision Norms, the living quarters of the KDiR unit are not provided with a drinking water container with a capacity of 15 liters with a draw-off tap, lid, cup and basin.
7. In living room No.3 of the KDiR unit the monitoring group found windows fitted with frosted (darkened) glass, which substantially limits the penetration of daylight into the room. Such conditions negatively affect the psycho-emotional state of prisoners and effectively deprive them of visual contact with the outside environment.
This does not comply with the requirements of rule 18.2(a) of the European Prison Rules and rule 14(a) of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
In its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2020 the Committee already drew attention to this and recommended taking measures to review window constructions in cells to allow prisoners to see what is outside the cell. (CPT/Inf (2020) 40) paragraph 48).
8. During the visit to the KDiR unit it was found that no visible information is displayed indicating the telephone number of the “hotline,” nor postal and email addresses of the State Bureau of Investigation and the regional center for provision of free legal aid. This contradicts the requirements of paragraph 6 of Section II of the IR PI.
9. The arrangement of premises for DIZO/PKT does not fully meet established standards for the treatment of prisoners and does not ensure adequate material and household and sanitary-hygienic conditions, which leads to violations of prisoners’ rights.
Cell-type premises of DIZO/PKT do not provide an adequate level of natural lighting because cell windows are small, located at a considerable height and are excessively barred, resulting in limited access to natural light that is insufficient to ensure normal living conditions. These conditions create additional psychological discomfort for prisoners and remand prisoners due to restricted visual contact with the outside world.
This does not comply with the requirements of rule 18.2(a) of the European Prison Rules and rule 14 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
10. Mechanical ventilation does not operate in cell-type premises of DIZO/PKT, which does not meet the requirements of rule 13 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
11. Toilets in some cell-type premises of DIZO are not equipped with doors or sufficient partitions to ensure privacy during use of sanitary facilities, which does not comply with rule 19.3 of the European Prison Rules and rule 15 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
At the same time, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 the Committee called on the Ukrainian authorities to take necessary measures to improve material conditions of detention, including: keep all places of detention, including sanitary facilities, in a proper state of repair and cleanliness; carry out regular and frequent pest control; ensure adequate access to natural light and ventilation in cells; fully equip internal sanitary facilities with partitions (i.e., from floor to ceiling). (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 58).
12. Radio provision in DIZO/PKT is only available in the general corridor, and prisoners cannot independently turn it on or off or adjust the volume. Meanwhile, radio provision in cell-type premises of DIZO/PKT does not function, which contradicts the requirements of paragraph 3 of Section XX of the IR PI and paragraph 63 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
13. During visits to cell-type premises of DIZO/PKT the absence of visible information indicating hotline telephone numbers, postal and email addresses of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, the European Court of Human Rights, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Prosecutor General, regional and district prosecutor’s offices, the Department, interregional administration, and the regional center for free legal aid was found. This contradicts the requirements of paragraph 6 of Section II of the IR PI.
14. According to the twenty-third paragraph of 6 of Section XXI of the IR PI, for individual preventive work the head of the SPS department, upon placement/transfer of a prisoner and at least once a week, visits DIZO, solitary cells, PKT (OK). Following visits to DIZO, solitary cells, PKT (OK) he is obliged to make appropriate entries in the visit log of the disciplinary isolation unit, room-type premises, single cells and the cell log maintained by the administration of the penal institution.
However, when checking the visit log to DIZO/PKT kept by the administration, it was found that there are no entries regarding visits by the head of the SPS department No.6 to prisoner K., who was held in DIZO on general grounds, during the period from 07.09.2026 to 13.09.2026.
This may indicate failure by the heads of the SPS department and the KDiR unit to fulfill the established duty of conducting individual preventive work with a prisoner placed in DIZO, as well as poor organization of social-educational and psychological work.
15. During the visit to DIZO/PKT it was found that prisoners subjected to disciplinary penalties were not issued copies of the decision to apply the penalty indicating the possibility and procedure for appealing it, which contradicts article 135 of the Criminal Executive Code of Ukraine.
At the same time, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 the Committee recommended taking measures in penitentiary institutions of Ukraine to ensure that prisoners subject to disciplinary penalties systematically receive a copy of the relevant decision. In addition, prisoners should be informed about their right of access to a lawyer in the context of disciplinary proceedings (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 103).
16. The area of some exercise yards is insufficient to ensure full physical activity for prisoners. In addition, they are covered with grating or metal mesh, which creates psychological pressure and limits the sense of space.
The Committee has repeatedly recommended reviewing the construction and size of exercise yards, “from which at best there is a view of the sky” (CPT/Inf (2014) 15) paragraphs 122, 127).
17. The facility does not operate a heightened control unit (DPC). At the same time, DPC is a structural unit of a medium-security correctional colony, and the regime of holding prisoners in such a unit is envisaged by article 97 of the CEC of Ukraine and other normative legal acts.
18. The monitoring group found a number of violations in the organization of bath-laundry services for prisoners and remand prisoners.
Thus, contrary to paragraph 2.14 of Section II of the Regulations on the organization of bath-laundry services for persons held in penal institutions and pre-trial detention centers, approved by order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 08.06.2012 No.849/5, registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on 13.06.2012 under No.947/21259 (hereinafter — the Regulations on the organization of bath-laundry services), the institution does not provide hairdressing services to prisoners.
19. Contrary to rule 19.3 of the European Prison Rules, privacy is not ensured in the DIZO/PKT shower area due to the absence of curtains on shower partitions.
20. Contrary to paragraph 2.11 of Section II of the Regulations on the organization of bath-laundry services, the forced supply-exhaust ventilation system in the bath and laundry premises does not function properly.
21. During the visit the monitoring group recorded that facility staff who directly contact prisoners openly carry special equipment, in particular rubber batons.
According to the eighth paragraph of 1 of Section XXVI of the IR PI, staff of penal institutions should, where possible, keep special equipment within the secured facility concealed from view.
At the same time, the Committee recommends that penitentiary staff in direct contact with prisoners should not openly carry special equipment (such as rubber batons, handcuffs and spray canisters equipped with tear gas) in front of prisoners. Such carrying hinders the establishment of normal relations between staff and prisoners (CPT/Inf (2011) 29) paragraph 85; CPT/Inf (2013) 23) paragraph 23; CPT/Inf (2014) 15) paragraph 166).
22. Pursuant to subparagraph 5 of paragraph 2 of Section IV of the Regulations on the differentiated educational influence program for prisoners “Preparation for release,” approved by order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine dated 16.05.2016 No.1418/5, registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on 17.05.2016 under No.735/28865, the SPS staff directly organizing and implementing the “Preparation for release” program are obliged to assist prisoners in obtaining (renewing) a citizen’s passport of Ukraine, taxpayer identification number (RNOKPP), other personal documents, and in applying for pensions.
However, 22 prisoners require obtaining a citizen’s passport of Ukraine, 10 need to obtain RNOKPP, which indicates insufficient work by the SPS and social-educational department to ensure issuance of necessary documents for prisoners who do not have them.
23. According to information provided by the administration, during 2026 in the state institution “Manevychi Correctional Colony (No.42)” prisoners were granted 81 short-term visits, of which 11 were held in a non-contact manner — through solid partition glass using an intercom device.
However, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 the Committee stresses that for all categories of prisoners open visits (e.g., at a table) should be the rule and closed visits the exception, which should be applied only on the basis of reasoned and motivated decisions after an individual assessment of the potential risk of a particular prisoner. The Committee therefore calls on the Ukrainian authorities to review the procedure for conducting short-term visits in penitentiary institutions in order to ensure that they are carried out, as a rule, in open conditions (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 99).
24. According to official documentation, the staffing shortfall in the institution as of 15.09.2026 is 21 vacancy posts.
At the same time, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 the Committee emphasizes that ensuring a positive climate in a penitentiary establishment requires a professional team of staff who should be present in sufficient numbers at any time in places of detention. Insufficient staffing can only increase the risk of violence and intimidation among prisoners. A shortage of frontline staff also undermines the quality and level of measures offered to prisoners and jeopardizes prospects for preparation for release and social rehabilitation.
In this regard, the Committee calls on the Ukrainian authorities to take decisive measures to significantly increase the number of staff in penitentiary institutions of Ukraine where low staffing levels are observed, in order to strengthen the presence of security and supervision staff inside institutions. Measures should also be taken to put an end to 24-hour shifts of staff on duty (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 93).
25. During the monitoring visit the room designated in the institution as a shelter was inspected. Its entrance is marked with an appropriate sign. Benches for seating people are installed in the room and there are fire extinguishers.
However, the shelter is in a neglected state. There are significant damages on the walls and ceiling, peeling of the finishing coating and traces of moisture; the floor is in unsatisfactory condition. The room is not equipped with a ventilation system and has no sewerage.
A toilet is installed in the room, but it is not connected to the sewage system and is effectively non-functional. Thus, a sanitary facility in the shelter is effectively absent, and the ability to satisfy natural needs of persons while in the shelter is not ensured.
In addition, the shelter has only one exit; the second (emergency) exit is absent.
In sum — due to lack of ventilation, sewerage, a functioning toilet and a second exit, as well as the overall neglected condition of the premises — the shelter in the institution does not provide adequate conditions for the safe and prolonged stay of prisoners during an air-raid alarm or other threat.
26. During the monitoring visit it was found that the institution has a separate Internet class equipped with three computers for prisoners to use. A schedule for the Internet class is posted on the door. The administration maintains a “Log of providing prisoners access to the global Internet.”
A review of that log showed that the last entry about prisoners using the Internet was dated 30.07.2026. Subsequent pages of the log at the time of the monitoring visit contained no entries. Thus, for more than one and a half months there was no documented instance of granting prisoners access to the Internet.
A log of prisoners’ video calls in the institution is not kept. Accordingly, documentary accounting of the use of video communication by prisoners, including the number of such calls and frequency of use, is absent.
During a direct check of the computer equipment in the Internet class the monitoring group also established absence of access to the websites of the Kharkiv Human Rights Group (KHP) and the NGO “Protection of Prisoners of Ukraine” (PPU): attempts to open these web resources from the Internet class computers were unsuccessful.
Thus, despite the presence of an equipped Internet class with three computers and an approved schedule, documented use of the Internet by prisoners effectively ceased after 30.07.2026, video-call records are not kept, and the computers designated for prisoners do not have access to the KHP and PPU websites. These circumstances indicate practical restrictions on prisoners’ ability to exercise their statutory right to use the global Internet and video communication.
27. During the monitoring visit special attention was paid to the observance of prisoners’ right to work and social protection. The monitoring group examined the employment contracts, civil law contracts (CLCs), timesheets, payroll statements, tax reports, payment documents for the single social contribution (ESC), nominal lists of prisoners involved in work, occupational safety documents, medical examination logs, issuance logs for sharp-cutting items, ready food quality logs and hourly inspection logs of the food block provided by the administration. Documentary information was compared with actual circumstances found during inspections of work sites and with information obtained during confidential interviews with prisoners.
According to the administration, a total of 80 persons are employed: under employment contracts — 6, under civil law contracts — 74.
During confidential interviews it was found that prisoner B. has worked in shop No.4 for about four months, L. in shop No.6 for about two months, K. for about two months, P. in the RMC for about nine months. For these persons it was not possible from the provided documentation to form a complete individualized chain “legal basis for employment — record of hours actually worked or volume of work performed — accrued wages or remuneration — accrued and paid ESC.” Under these circumstances the presence of general documents showing the institution’s ESC transfers for the special contingent is not sufficient to conclude that the contribution was actually paid for each named prisoner and that the corresponding periods were credited to their insurance records. Law of Ukraine No.2464-VI regulates the ESC calculation base and payment, however assessment of an individual’s social rights requires personalized data.
Work of prisoners engaged in household servicing was separately examined. According to the nominal list provided, prisoner B. is listed as a baker, M. as a stoker, S. as a cook, K. as a bath attendant, L. as a dining hall worker, L. as an auxiliary worker under employment contracts. The institution also uses civil law contracts. Thus, during monitoring two contractual forms of paid labor were found — employment contracts and CLCs — alongside involvement of some prisoners in unpaid work based on paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine.
The documents for household service allow tracking of individualized accounting of work for certain prisoners. In timesheets for August 2026 concerning B., K. and L., 21 working days and 168 hours are recorded. Similar indicators — 21 days and 168 hours — are contained in L.’s personal timesheet. Regarding K., who, according to documents, began work as a bath attendant in mid-August, an incomplete working month is recorded. This corresponds to the contract start date — 14.08.2026.
The payroll statement for August 2026 made it possible to compare timesheet records with pay. B. for 21 working days was accrued 9338,76 UAH, K. — 9684,64 UAH, L. — 8647 UAH, L. — 8647 UAH. K. for a partial month was accrued 4941,14 UAH. The statement also shows personal income tax, military levy, other withholdings, amounts to be credited to personal accounts, and accrued ESC. In particular, ESC for B. is shown as 2054,53 UAH, K. — 2130,62 UAH, K. — 1087,05 UAH, L. and L. — 1902,34 UAH each. Thus, for this part of household service documents make it possible to trace the connection between employment, timesheet accounting, payroll and ESC.
However, the presence of information on accrued ESC and general payment documents for its transfer does not automatically allow asserting that the corresponding month has been reflected in an individual’s insurance record. Final confirmation requires reconciliation with personalized records of the insured persons register. Therefore the monitoring results allow confirming documentary accrual of ESC for the named persons, but whether the corresponding periods are actually recorded in their insurance record requires verification against personalized accounting. Law of Ukraine No.2464-VI as of 2026 remains in force and defines legal bases for ESC accrual and accounting.
Special attention is required regarding the actual organization of work in the food block. At the time of the visit 12 prisoners were actually present and performing work there. According to information obtained during monitoring, only three of them were employed with pay, while nine persons were involved in unpaid work with reference to paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine.
Application of this provision cannot be viewed as a universal basis for systematic use of unpaid labor. Paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine allows engaging prisoners in unpaid work only for statutory tasks — improvement of colonies and adjacent territories, improving living conditions of prisoners, or auxiliary works to supply colonies with food. The law also sets additional guarantees: such involvement is carried out, as a rule, in order of rotation, during non-working hours and not for more than two hours per day.
Therefore the circumstances identified during the visit regarding certain prisoners raise justified questions about compliance of actual practice with these statutory limits. M. is involved in work in the fish shop with reference to paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine. Ch. has been distributing the first course for about a month without pay. K., according to information received, has carried out unpaid work collecting food products for the pretrial detention facility for about three years. Most notably, P., who has a group III disability, reported that for approximately six months he has been working without pay daily from 06:00 to 20:00, with the legal basis for such involvement cited as paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine. Moreover, the systematic performance by one person over months of a constant function indicates factual signs of paid labor which, under articles 118 and 120 of the CEC of Ukraine, should be properly formalized and paid.
Circumstances regarding the work of Y. were also recorded. In a confidential interview he stated that for the second week he daily peels potatoes from about 06:00 to 20:00. At the same time the issuance log for sharp-cutting items for 14.09.2026 records that he received a knife at 06:30 and returned it at 21:30. This entry alone does not prove continuous 15-hour work, but it is an objective documentary indicator that is consistent with the prisoner’s report of a lengthy daily workload. Under such circumstances reliable accounting of hours actually worked and verification of the legal basis and remuneration of his work are necessary.
According to article 119 of the CEC of Ukraine the working time of prisoners should not exceed the norm established by labor legislation. Article 50 of the Labor Code of Ukraine defines normal working time — no more than 40 hours per week, and the employer must keep records of working time, including overtime. Articles 66–67 of the Labor Code establish guarantees of rest time and days off. Therefore reports of systematic work from early morning to evening, especially daily and without days off, cannot remain outside proper documentary accounting and legal assessment.
An additional source for checking actual work is the ready-food quality log. Prisoner S. is systematically recorded there as the person who prepared the dish. According to information received, K. previously performed these functions and later left the facility. This corresponds with K. being in the timesheet and payroll statement for August 2026, while S. is recorded in the current nominal list under an employment contract dated 08.09.2026. Thus these documents rather reflect a change of worker over time than a contradiction between accounting records.
The medical examination log also contains daily entries for eight persons undergoing checks due to work in the food block. Such entries are not a timesheet and do not prove specific length of the working day, but they are an additional source to identify persons systematically involved in the corresponding work.
At the same time, keeping an hourly inspection log of the food block does not provide reliable reflection of the actual situation. At the time of direct inspection by the monitoring group 12 prisoners were present in the food block, while the log systematically recorded only three persons. Such a discrepancy calls into question the possibility of using this log as a reliable source for accounting actual presence of persons involved in work and complicates control over actual working time and compliance with rest times.
The practice of concluding civil law contracts with prisoners requires separate analysis. The fact of using CLCs in itself does not allow concluding such relations are unlawful. However, when assessing each contract it is necessary to compare its subject with the work actually performed. For civil law relations, the defining feature is performance of the stipulated work and receipt of its result, while systematic performance over a long period of a constant labor function within an established regime, at a determined workplace and under organizational control requires assessment of the appropriateness of the chosen contract form to the actual nature of relations. The provided materials for prisoners working under CLCs lack personalized reconciliation of contracts, acts of completed works, actual volumes and duration of work, accrued remuneration and ESC.
Thus, the examined documentation indicates the facility practices formalizing some prisoners under employment contracts with timesheet accounting, payroll accruals, legally required withholdings and ESC accrual. Alongside this, CLCs are used, the conformity of which to the factual nature of performed work should be assessed individually.
At the same time, the most significant risks to labor and social rights were found in the practice of engaging prisoners in unpaid work in the food block with reference to paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine. Information about months-long, and in one case years-long, performance by the same persons of constant functions, and reports of daily work that substantially exceeds two hours, are inconsistent with the law’s characterization of such works as auxiliary, the rotation principle and the established time limitation.
During monitoring incomplete personalized documentation of certain prisoners’ work was found. The examined documents did not always simultaneously contain information that would allow tracing the legal basis for engaging a particular person in work, the actual work performed and its duration, accrued wages or remuneration, withholdings made, ESC accrual and payment and the reflection of the corresponding period in personalized accounting for insurance record formation.
Discrepancies between actual employment of prisoners and its documentary reflection were also identified. In particular, at the food block during the monitoring visit 12 prisoners were actually working, while the hourly inspection log indicated only three persons. In confidential interviews some prisoners reported working daily from 06:00 to 20:00, including without days off. At the same time, some prisoners performing work in the food block were involved in unpaid work under paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine.
Thus, for some of the examined persons, documentation did not contain a full personalized reflection of all components of their involvement in work: the legal basis for engagement, the actual work performed and its duration, accrued wages or remuneration, withholdings made, ESC accrual and payment, and reflection of the corresponding period in personalized accounting for formation of insurance record.
Medical unit No.42 of the branch of the State Institution “Health Care Center of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine” in Volyn and Rivne regions
The head of medical unit No.42 of the branch of the State Institution “Health Care Center of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine” in Volyn and Rivne regions (hereinafter — the medical unit) is Andrii Adamovych Makovetskyi.
At the time of the visit the medical unit had vacancies: general practice — family medicine physician — 0,5 posts; clinical psychologist — 0,5 posts; ultrasound diagnostics physician — 0,25 posts; infectious disease physician — 0,25 posts.
During the monitoring visit the group studied medical documentation, inspected medical premises and conducted individual interviews (surveys) with prisoners, as a result of which deficiencies in the organization of medical provision leading to violations of the rights of the persons concerned were identified:
1. Contrary to the Instruction on completing the primary accounting form No.003-6/o “Informed voluntary consent of the patient for diagnosis, treatment and for surgery and anesthesia and for the presence or participation of educational process participants,” approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine order dated 14.02.2012 No.110, the signed informed voluntary consent for diagnosis and treatment was absent for five of eight patients who were in the medical unit inpatient department.
This may indicate the absence of patients’ voluntary consent to the application of diagnostic, preventive and treatment methods, which violates article 43 of the Law of Ukraine “Fundamentals of Legislation of Ukraine on Health Care” and paragraph 47 of recommendations in the report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT). (CPT/Inf (93) 12-part) paragraph 47)
2. The medical unit does not provide opioid substitution therapy (OST) for persons with mental and behavioral disorders due to opioid use, contrary to the Order on conducting opioid substitution therapy for persons with mental and behavioral disorders due to opioid use, approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine order dated 27.03.2012 No.200.
Drug-dependent persons are not provided with social and psychological support, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, participation in mutual support groups, etc.
Thus, these persons are deprived of the opportunity to receive OST, which violates their right to choose methods of treatment pursuant to article 38 of the Law of Ukraine “Fundamentals of Legislation of Ukraine on Health Care.”
At the same time, in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 the Committee notes that admission to a penitentiary institution is an opportunity to tackle drug-related problems, so it is important that appropriate help be offered to all interested persons and that corresponding medical services be available in all institutions. The assistance offered to such persons should be varied; substitution programs for persons with drug dependence should be combined with appropriate psychosocial and educational programs for persons with opioid dependence who are unable to stop drug use. In addition, access to OST programs in institutions should be readily available and should be managed by penitentiary physicians who have undergone special training on drug-related issues. (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 86)
3. The medical unit has a vacant position for a clinical psychologist, which complicates timely and effective provision of mental health medical care to prisoners.
The Committee in its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2023 recommends strengthening provision of psychological assistance in institutions and developing training and the role of penitentiary psychologists, especially in therapeutic clinical work with prisoners. In this context efforts should be made to recruit clinically trained psychologists who should be part of the medical team and should not combine two different roles — risk assessment and therapeutic clinical work. (CPT/Inf (2024) 20) paragraph 85)
4. Contrary to the requirements of paragraph 8 of chapter 5 of chapter 2 of the Procedure for organizing provision of medical assistance to prisoners deprived of liberty, approved by the joint order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 15.08.2014 No.1348/5/572 (hereinafter — the Procedure), the inpatient department lacks a properly equipped isolator for persons with mental disorders who pose a danger to others.
5. The monitoring group found cases where a psychiatrist conducts psychiatric examinations of patients without proper written informed consent. In particular, contrary to the Instruction on completing the primary accounting form No.003-7/o “Informed consent of a person for conducting a psychiatric examination,” approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine order dated 15.09.2016 No.970, it was found that medical records, including the outpatient medical card form No.025/o, do not contain a patient-signed informed consent for a psychiatric examination.
6. In some wards of the medical unit during the monitoring visit windows made of glass blocks were recorded, due to which natural light practically does not penetrate into the rooms. This does not comply with rule 18.2(a) of the European Prison Rules and rule 14 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
In its report following its visit to Ukraine in 2020 the Committee already drew attention to this and recommended taking measures to review window constructions in cells to allow prisoners to see what is outside the cell. (CPT/Inf (2020) 40) paragraph 48).
7. Toilets in some wards, in particular in the somatic treatment ward No.3, are not equipped with doors that would ensure privacy during use of sanitary facilities, which does not comply with rule 19.3 of the European Prison Rules and rule 15 of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
8. Contrary to the Standards of medical care for adults with viral hepatitis C, approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 23.07.2025 No.1178, not all persons suspected of viral hepatitis C — as of 15.09.2026 there were 20 such persons — undergo PCR testing, as a result of which diagnosis is not confirmed in a timely manner and necessary antiviral therapy is not prescribed.
Such circumstances may lead to deterioration of patients’ health and contribute to spread of infection among prisoners and remand prisoners.
9. Dispensary monitoring is carried out for 11 persons with disabilities, of whom: group I — 1 person, group II — 3 persons, group III — 7 persons.
However, contrary to the Law of Ukraine “On Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine,” persons with disabilities are not provided with proper diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation measures taking into account persistent impairments of body functions caused by diseases and consequences of injuries that limit life activities.
During examination of prisoners’ medical records it was found that 2 persons with disabilities do not have an individual rehabilitation program (IRP). Absence of an IRP makes it impossible to properly ensure measures and recommendations defined by it that are necessary to support and restore impaired body functions.
10. Contrary to the requirements of Ukrainian State Building Regulations V.2.2-40:2018 “Accessibility of buildings and structures. Basic provisions,” the medical unit does not create proper conditions for persons with disabilities.
11. Contrary to paragraph 37 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine resolution dated 02.03.2016 No.285 “On approval of Licensing conditions for the conduct of economic activity in medical practice,” the medical unit lacks a conclusion confirming free access to buildings and premises of the medical institution for persons with limited mobility, obtaining which is mandatory.
12. Contrary to the Procedure for organizing medical assistance at primary, secondary (specialized) and tertiary (highly specialized) levels using telemedicine, approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine order dated 19.10.2015 No.681, medical unit staff are deprived by technical limitations of the ability to send requests for telemedical consultations and receive expert assistance to provide medical services to prisoners.
13. Contrary to the Equipment list for one workplace of a dentist and dental technician, approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine order dated 11.04.2005 No.158, the medical unit lacks a dental X-ray machine, making it impossible to perform in-depth dental diagnostics and to provide timely appropriate dental care.
14. Contrary to the Norms on provision of bedding, special clothing and special footwear (inventory) for prisoners undergoing treatment in medical and preventive institutions, facilities with the status of medical institutions and in medical units at penal institutions and pre-trial detention centers, approved by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine order dated 20.02.2012 No.280/5, prisoners do not receive hospital items (suit, gown and hospital slippers). Prisoners remain in inpatient wards in everyday clothing and sometimes use their own bedding.
15. Contrary to fire safety rules, the medical unit premises are not equipped with fire extinguishing systems and fire alarm systems.
Recommendations:
1. Ensure proper implementation of the program to acquaint newly arrived prisoners in the KDiR unit, participation of all members of the working group with the established periodicity and bring the composition of the working group into compliance with normative requirements.
2. Stop the practice of assigning prisoners the functions of supervision over other prisoners, controlling their behavior and ensuring compliance with the daily routine.
3. Bring the material and household provision of the KDiR unit into compliance with established standards: equip premises required by regulations, ensure privacy of sanitary facilities, constant access to drinking water and adequate natural lighting of living premises.
4. Post in KDiR and DIZO/PKT in places accessible to prisoners the information required by law about hotline telephone numbers, postal and email addresses of the relevant state bodies and institutions of the free legal aid system.
5. Ensure adequate natural lighting, functioning mechanical ventilation, privacy when using sanitary facilities and functioning radio provision with the ability for prisoners to use it in cell-type premises of DIZO/PKT.
6. Ensure systematic visits to prisoners held in DIZO/PKT by heads of the relevant SPS departments with the periodicity established by law and proper documentation of such visits.
7. Ensure issuance to prisoners of copies of decisions on the application of disciplinary sanctions indicating the possibility and procedure for appealing them, and inform them about the right to legal assistance.
8. Ensure adequate conditions for prisoners’ daily outdoor exercise in DIZO/PKT, including sufficient space for physical activity and as much access as possible to open space and natural light.
9. Ensure functioning of the heightened control unit provided for by the structure of a medium-security correctional colony in accordance with the requirements of criminal-executive legislation.
10. Ensure proper bath-laundry services for prisoners: provision of hairdressing services, proper operation of forced supply-exhaust ventilation and privacy when using showers.
11. Ensure that staff comply with requirements to keep special equipment as concealed as possible during direct contact with prisoners.
12. Ensure timely issuance and renewal of prisoners’ Ukrainian passports, RNOKPP and other personal documents necessary for realization of their rights and preparation for release.
13. Ensure that short-term visits are, as a rule, held in open conditions; use non-contact format as an exception based on a reasoned decision taking into account an individual risk assessment.
14. Take measures to fill vacant positions and ensure sufficient staffing to properly perform the institution’s functions.
15. Bring the premises designated as a shelter to proper technical and sanitary condition, provide ventilation, sewerage, a functioning toilet and a second (emergency) exit.
16. Ensure prisoners’ practical ability to regularly use the global Internet and video communication, proper maintenance of the relevant accounting documentation, and access from Internet-class computers to the KHP and PPU websites.
17. Ensure proper formalization of each prisoner’s work, full and reliable accounting of hours actually worked, including work on days off and overtime, proper accrual and payment of wages or remuneration, accrual and payment of ESC and formation of insurance record periods.
18. Ensure engagement of prisoners in unpaid work under paragraph five of article 118 of the CEC of Ukraine exclusively in cases defined by law, in order of rotation, during non-working hours and not for more than two hours per day. Do not allow systematic performance by prisoners of constant labor functions without proper formalization and payment.
19. Ensure reliable maintenance of documentation on work of prisoners in the food block reflecting all persons actually involved, the real duration of their work and compliance with established rest time.
20. Ensure use of civil law contracts in accordance with the factual nature of the work performed by prisoners; where a constant labor function is systematically performed, ensure proper formalization of employment relations, accounting of working time, payment of wages and social insurance.
21. Take measures to eliminate identified human rights violations and prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment in medical unit No.42 of the branch of the State Institution “Health Care Center of the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine” in Volyn and Rivne regions. Ensure control over proper maintenance of medical documentation in accordance with the Procedure for organizing provision of medical assistance to prisoners deprived of liberty, approved by the joint order of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated 15.08.2014 No.1348/5/572, and other normative acts.
22. Ensure staffing of the medical unit with medical personnel according to needs.
23. Ensure obtaining patients’ informed consent for examinations and treatment in the prescribed form.
24. Ensure equipping an isolator for persons with mental disorders in accordance with established requirements.
25. Ensure availability of opioid substitution therapy for persons diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to opioid use.
26. Bring windows in some wards of the medical unit into compliance with the European Prison Rules and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules) by replacing glass blocks with window constructions that provide adequate natural lighting and the ability to see the outside space.
27. Equip sanitary facilities in medical unit wards with doors ensuring adequate privacy during use, in accordance with the European Prison Rules and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Mandela Rules).
28. Provide individual rehabilitation for persons who need it.
29. Ensure accessibility of the institution’s buildings in accordance with Ukrainian State Building Regulations V.2.2-40:2018 “Accessibility of buildings and structures. Basic provisions.”
30. Ensure proper operation of the telemedicine complex to allow doctors to submit requests for telemedical consultations.
31. Ensure compliance with paragraph 37 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine resolution dated 02.03.2016 No.285 “On approval of Licensing conditions for the conduct of economic activity in medical practice.”
32. Ensure all persons suspected of hepatitis C have access to PCR testing as soon as possible and organize necessary antiviral treatment for those with confirmed diagnosis.
33. Provide the medical unit with hospital supplies (suits, gowns and hospital slippers).
34. Provide the medical unit with a dental X-ray machine and necessary equipment to carry out full dental diagnostics and treatment.
35. Eliminate violations of fire safety requirements.
Authors: Andrii Didenko, Serhii Zuikov, Oleh Tsviilyi
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