Bashtanka, Mykolaiv Oblast, 19 April 2024 — Newly operational “green rooms” have been officially launched and are now fully functional in Bashtanka and Voznesensk in Mykolaiv Oblast, and in Myrhorod, Lubny, and Kremenchuk in Poltava Oblast. Plans are also underway to open similar facilities in Pervomaisk, Mykolaiv Oblast. These developments were made possible with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, and with generous financial support from the Government of Denmark.

The total project cost in both areas exceeded US$70,000. These funds were used for repair work, procurement of necessary technical equipment, and arranging online training sessions for police officers on the basic principles of operating “green rooms”.

The “green room” facilitates the least traumatic interaction between police officers and psychologists with children who have survived crimes, witnessed crimes, or come into conflict with the law. This specially equipped space is founded on principles that ensure the rights and freedoms of children during investigative and procedural actions.

Each room comprises two areas: one in which psychologists communicate with the child, and the other for police officers to observe the conversation. This communication can be recorded and used in legal proceedings without further involvement of the child, thus helping to prevent the children from reliving traumatic experiences.

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, the Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, said: “We are aware of the heavy psychological impact that the Russian aggression has had on children and teenagers in the frontline areas. We in Denmark are proud to contribute to their mental well-being while also strengthening their trust in the relevant Ukrainian authorities who are doing their job in alleviating the children’s mental condition.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, attended the official opening ceremony of the “green room” in Bashtanka, and expressed gratitude to partners for their efforts in implementing this initiative. “At UNDP, we endeavour to minimize the psychological burden on children who find themselves in police custody, ensuring that they can trust the police and freely share their experiences in comfortable and safe environments,” said Cilliers.

The project to establish “green rooms” in Poltava Oblast was undertaken by the NGO “Centre for Modern Development and Innovation”, while in Mykolaiv Oblast, it was curated by the “Economic Development Agency.” Both organizations received grants from UNDP and the Government of Denmark to implement the local projects in partnership with the police.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org