The Chairman of the Commission took part in the UN Human Rights Working Group session
On 15th November 2017, the Chairman of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine Mr. Sergii Koziakov took part in a working visit of Ukrainian delegation to Geneva (Switzerland), where the 28th United Nations Human Rights Working Group session took place.
The purpose of the Ukrainian delegation's visit was to defend the third National Periodic Report on the state of observance of human rights in Ukraine. The report was prepared by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine together with other national authorities. It was sent to the UN Council on 7th August 2017. The event took place in the framework of the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
Mr. Sergii Koziakov reported on the implementation of the recommendations to the judicial system. The Chairman of the HQCJ answered questions, in particular, on the judicial reform and the refreshment of the judiciary in the Ukrainian judicial system.
Mr. Sergii Koziakov informed that in 2015 Ukraine adopted Ukraine Judiciary Development Strategy 2015-2020. The Strategy is aimed to improve the access of Ukrainian citizens to justice through the strengthening of independence and professional competence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, the simplification of judicial system and judicial procedures. The Constitution was amended in the area of justice, as well as a new version of the Law of Ukraine “On the Judicial System and the Status of Judges” was adopted. The Venice Commission approved those developments.
Moreover, the Chairman of the HQCJ spoke about the first in the history of Ukraine competition to the Supreme Court, which was held by the Commission. “The competition was held transparently and consisted of qualification assessment, anonymous testing and public interviews. For the first time scientists and lawyers became judges of the Supreme Court”, - emphasized Mr. Sergii Koziakov.
No less important is the procedure which is currently being conducted by the HQCJ, - the selection of candidates for the position of a local court judge. The Chairman of the Commission said that more than 5,000 people expressed their desire to participate in the selection process. That indicates a high degree of confidence in that process.
Under the framework of the working visit Mr. Sergii Koziakov is scheduled to meet with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Zayed Ra'ad al-Hussein and United Nations Director-General in Geneva, Mr. Michael Möller.
Following the defense of the Ukraine’s National Report on 15th November 2017, the delegation will receive recommendations for the next 4th cycle. The draft final report on Ukraine within the Universal Periodic Review will be adopted on 17th November 2017.
