GENEVA (1 September 2023) – The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, will conduct her first official visit to Ukraine from 4 to 10 September 2023.

During her visit, Edwards will focus on the procedures and practices of investigation and prosecution of crimes of torture committed in the context of the armed conflict, including rape and other sexual violence. She will also review the treatment and conditions of detention, including for prisoners of war, those accused of war crimes and those otherwise facing charges in connection with the conflict.

The Special Rapporteur will meet senior Government officials, representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and members of the judiciary. She will also hold discussions with representatives of investigative and monitoring bodies, the United Nations, civil society organisations, lawyers, victims and their families. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Government.

The expert will hold a press conference on 10 September 2023, at 11 am (UKR local time), at the Hyatt Regency Kyiv (5, Alla Tarasova Street, Kyiv), Paris room. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

Edwards will present her report to the Human Rights Council in March 2024.