Rule of law
The ability of Ukraine's courts to deliver fair justice and to protect the rights of citizens is a core precondition to strengthening its security and upholding democracy. The Co-ordinator supports comprehensive reform of the judiciary by participating in developing and implementing its strategy; providing expert support and enabling inclusive participation of stakeholders in discussions over the substance of the changes. The Co-ordinator also helps Ukraine’s parliamentarians draft laws that safeguard individual freedoms, by offering training courses, developing methodologies and providing expert opinions.
To improve the quality of the justice system in the country, the Co-ordinator helps to introduce standards-based judicial education with evaluation approaches in place, and develops courses and methodologies. It also helps to promote gender-sensitive justice by supporting a network of gender focal points in courts, offering relevant training courses to judges. The Co-ordinator also promotes the use of international human rights protection tools by Ukrainian courts, delivers training courses and facilitates professional discussions in the legal community. In addition, civil society receives methodological support and trainings to monitor court proceedings and identify gaps that need improvement.
The country’s Constitutional Court benefits from the Co-ordinator’s advice, access to international expertise and support in improving its transparency. Specific assistance is provided to strengthen a newly introduced mechanism of constitutional complaint, enabling citizens to address the Court in the event they believe that constitutional provisions are violated by acts of government.
To help the judicial system professionally and independently address a wide range of issues within anti-corruption reform, the Co-ordinator works with the newly established Anti-corruption Court and other law enforcement bodies, and assists in the engagement of citizens and key stakeholders in the dialogue on the ongoing transformations.