The ICRC in Ukraine provides assistance to 18 places of detention in 12 oblasts to the benefit of nearly 14,000 detainees, which is 23% of the total prison population in Ukraine. The Kyiv pre-trial detention facility (SIZO) is one of the places of detention we visit, assess and support on a regular basis. Apart from visiting detainees and helping them exchange oral and written messages with their relatives, we assisted with hygiene items and other basic goods.

2017 saw the opening of the refurbished pharmacy in the Kyiv pre-trial detention facility with our support. Now the pharmacy provides essential medicine to around 2,500 people detained in this facility. We are currently working on the complete restoration the roof of one of its premises destroyed by fire in May 2017.

ICRC delegate visiting a detainee in the Kyiv pre-trial detention center. Yevgen Nosenko/ICRC

ICRC delegates in a conversation with female detainees in the Kyiv pre-trial detention center. Yevgen Nosenko/ICRC

A detainee and two ICRC delegates at the playground for the children of detained persons in the Kyiv pre-trial detention center. Yevgen Nosenko/ICRC

Refurbished pharmacy in the Kyiv pre-trial detention center. Yevgen Nosenko/ICRC

Medical check-up of a detainee in the Kyiv pre-trial detention center. Yevgen Nosenko/ICRC