UN rapporteur: Cases of torture have decreased significantly in Ukraine

18.06.2018 10:50

Ukrinform

Mr. Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, underscores that the cases of torture have decreased significantly in Ukraine since 2016.

"I should say that the cases of inhuman treatment and torture in the territory controlled by the Ukrainian authorities have decreased significantly since 2016," Melzer said in an interview with the Ukrainian online media outlet Dzerkalo Tyzhnia.

According to him, in 2014-2016, "the cases of illegal detention in custody and inhuman treatment were quite widespread, but since then the situation has improved."

At the same time, Melzer noted that many people complained about torture and improper treatment at the police stations.

"These are fresh, relevant statements. They raise my most serious concern," Nils Melzer said.

"Reports on improper treatment relate to detention – before a person is officially taken into custody and registered in a police blotter," he added.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and his team stayed in Ukraine from 20 May to June 8 to assess the situation regarding the prohibition of torture and other forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.