On 27 November 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice organized a meeting in Kyiv in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to launch the Ukrainian translation of the UNODC interactive e-Learning course on Nelson Mandela Rules. The course has been primarily designed as a practical training tool for prison officers and other officials working in prisons. It consists of an introduction, five substantive modules as well as a final assessment, upon the successful completion of which you will be issued a certificate.
The origin of the rules dates back to the year 1955 when – following the atrocities of two World Wars – the Member States of the United Nations decided to formulate and adopt internationally acknowledged minimum conditions for the treatment of prisoners. In 2015, following a revision process of more than 5 years, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and named them in honour of the late president of South Africa “The Nelson Mandela Rules”.
To demonstrate its commitment to the prison reform, in July this year Ukraine joined the Group of Friends of the Nelson Mandela which consists of more than 40 Member States. The purpose of this group is to create awareness and promote the practical application of the United Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Recognizing the significance of "safeguarding the human rights and dignity of persons deprived of their liberty", the Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms. Olena Vysotska, commended the availability of the e-Learning Course in Ukrainian and expressed confidence that it will provide a blueprint for good prison management of the national penitentiary and probation system. To ensure the practical application of the Nelson Mandela Rules in Ukraine and to promote the safety, security, and humane treatment of prisoners, the Deputy Minister requested UNODC, the custodian of the Rules, to assist Ukraine with the development of guidance materials and tools on good prison management.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Harsheth Virk, Head of UNODC Office in Ukraine, thanked the Ministry of Justice for the continued partnership. She also suggested that the Ministry consider making the e-learning course mandatory for all students and encourage the active participation of prison and probation officers in this training programme. Ms. Virk also extended appreciation to the Government of France for their generous support towards the prison reform process in Ukraine.
