Kyiv, 28 May 2025 – A new online course on criminal investigation standards for justice professionals has been launched on the Edera educational platform. The course was developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Japan at the initiative of the Office of the Prosecutor General and the JustGroup organization. JustGroup conducts evidence-based research of the criminal justice and develops solutions for transformative changes based on a diverse perspective. 

The course was developed by leading experts in the criminal justice system – including prosecutors, Supreme Court judges, educators, and professional trainers – to provide a comprehensive overview of standard practices at every stage of criminal investigation.

Commenting on the launch of the new course, Svitlana Kolyshko, UNDP in Ukraine Human Rights and Access to Justice Project Manager, said that approaches rooted in respect for human rights and the rule of law are essential for driving transformative change in the criminal justice sector.

“This course is an essential tool for justice professionals –it promotes human rights, reinforces sound judgment, and establishes clear, consistent standards to guide criminal investigations,” Kolyshko  noted. “This contributes to the broader goal of building back better, with a more resilient and rights-based criminal justice system.” 

Vasylyna Yavorska, JustGroup Team Leader stressed that criminal justice is always a team work. 

“It doesn't work effectively when everyone pulls in different directions or when there are no clear, shared guidelines. That is why we talk about standardization as a solution that ensures coordination and efficiency in the investigation process. Standards build trust within the system. When there is a common understanding of procedures and goals, it strengthens teamwork — both between investigators and prosecutors, and across different departments and levels of management," said Vasylyna Yavorska. 

The online course provides guidelines on how to enhance the effectiveness of investigations  and prevent possible complications, and explains why teamwork is important. The course is structured into eight modules, each focusing on key aspects of criminal investigation, including:

• Distribution of roles between investigators and prosecutors;
• Procedures for initiating investigations and registering cases;
• Strategies for prioritizing resources and planning investigations;
• Best practices for collecting and preserving evidence;
• Effective communication in complex or high-pressure situations.

The course will be of great value to justice professionals, investigators, judges, and law students. 

Background:

The online course "Criminal Investigation Standards" was designed by the JustLearn development hub, supported by the organization JustGroup, and created by the online education studio EdEra with the support of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, which is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in Ukraine.

Media enquiries:

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