Kyiv, 15 May 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan, has donated equipment to the National Police of Ukraine’s forensic units. This is part of broader support provided within the “Promotion of Human Security in Ukraine Through Responding to the Multidimensional Crisis Caused by the War” project. 

Twenty-six Volkswagen Crafter vans, forensic kits, ANDE rapid DNA technology mobile laboratories and other equipment was provided to National Police of Ukraine forensic units in all regions to enhance their work even further. Equipped mobile forensic laboratories will help to handle complex forensic investigations, and rapidly identify individuals’ DNA profiles in difficult field conditions. 

Vasyl Teterya, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, thanked the representatives of UNDP in Ukraine and the Embassy of Japan for the assistance provided. "The Government of Japan and UNDP today are standing side by side with the people of Ukraine. Projects like this must continue until Ukraine wins. And it definitely will. Because the state is strong and invincible," he said.

Maksym Tsutskiridze, First Deputy Head of the National Police of Ukraine, noted that the help of international partners will significantly expand the capacities of forensic units, and thus contribute to more effective documentation of war crimes: “Unfortunately, we do not have a single safe spot on the map of Ukraine, so these cars and mobile DNA laboratories will go to every region of the country.”

Speaking at the ceremony, H.E. Kuninori Matsuda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian justice institutions to continue to be resilient and highly effective in the time of crisis caused by the war. “I firmly believe that the equipment and machines we are providing today will serve as vital tools for ensuring justice for all, and bringing hope and peace to the people of Ukraine,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my deep admiration and sincere gratitude to the national police officers and forensic investigators, who are serving the people of Ukraine with dedication and dignity,” he underlined.

UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine Jaco Cilliers underscored the critical importance of access to justice during the war to preserve human rights and dignity. “We firmly believe that this equipment will significantly enhance the technical capacities of the forensic units, enabling them to effectively confront emerging challenges and ensure access to justice for all individuals, leaving no one behind.”

Ms. Ayako Aoyama, Director General for International Affairs at the National Police Agency of Japan conveyed “In cooperation with UNDP, in July and October last year, we, the National Police Agency of Japan, were honoured to have the opportunity to welcome 25 of our Ukrainian friends from the National Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.” She continued “I believe that there are many ways in which Japan can stand with our friends in Ukraine, and we will continue to be with you now and in the future.”

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Communications Team Leader, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org