Kyiv, 30 April 2025 – A Ukrainian translation of the “Manual on Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation” has been presented at the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office in Kyiv by JustGroup, a Ukrainian organization dedicated to evidence-based research within the criminal justice sector and developing solutions to move towards a fair, efficient, and human-centred criminal justice system.

The manual on conducting investigative interviews as part of criminal investigations was developed jointly by the Department of Peace Operations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It was approved and published in 2024. 

To make it accessible to Ukrainian criminal justice professionals JustGroup and the Office of the Prosecutor Generalwith the support of UNDP in Ukraine and the Government of Japan, initiated the translation of the manual into Ukrainian.

“This Manual is relevant for all categories of criminal proceedings, but it is of particular importance for investigators and prosecutors who investigate international and war crimes. They face an extremely difficult task. Risking their lives every day, they must ensure the highest possible standards of justice for victims, witnesses, and suspects, because this category of crimes is the focus of the world’s attention, and the cost of miscarriages of justice is extremely high,” said Oleksii Khomenko, Acting Prosecutor General.

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers noted that in the context of reforms aimed at transforming the criminal justice sector, the introduction of effective investigative interviewing practices helps strengthen public trust in the system by demonstrating the state’s commitment to human rights and high standards of justice. “With the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan, JustGroup is promoting the integration of Investigative Interviewing into criminal justice practice in Ukraine. In particular, the Standards for Investigative Interviewing and a development program have been created, thanks to which new methods and approaches are already contributing to stronger human rights protection and greater transparency of court proceedings,” said Jaco Cillier.

The investigative interview is not only a mechanism that meets international standards – it also lays the foundation for ensuring the principle of justice in criminal proceedings.

“Building a national expert and training team, conducting research, designing and organizing development programs, introducing investigative interviewing as an academic discipline in leading law schools, and cooperating with international experts — all these efforts are made by our organization to advance people-centered approaches in Ukraine’s criminal justice system. We are honored to carry out this work with the support of our partners and the active members of the Just community,” says Vasylyna Yavorska, JustGroup Team Leader.

Head of the UNODC in Ukraine Harsheth Virk noted that the manual will be a valuable tool for law enforcement and judicial authorities, helping to increase accountability and strengthen public confidence in the justice system. 
“This manual will be a valuable tools for law enforcement and judicial authorities in this process. It will help to increase accountability and strengthen public trust in justice. The UNODC will continue to support the development of a transparent, fair, and people-centered justice system that delivers effective and timely justice to Ukrainians,” said Harsheth Virk.

Background:

With support from UNDP and the Government of Japan, JustGroup is actively promoting the introduction of investigative interviewing in Ukraine. The “Standards for Investigative Interviews” programme was introduced as part of efforts to support the professional development of criminal justice practitioners. In 2024, JustGroup, with support from UNDP and the Government of Japan, trained over 250 justice professionals – including prosecutors, investigators, and detectives – to use investigative interviewing techniques in their daily work.

Media enquiries:

Yulia Samus, Head of UNDP Communications, yuliia.samus@undp.org