Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, 18 January 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in partnership with the Government of Denmark, has launched two new “green rooms” in Zaporizhzhia at the National Police headquarters in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Recently, a similar room commenced operations in Vilniansk.

The “green room” enables a set of activities within a specially equipped space to facilitate effective interaction between police officers and child survivors and witnesses of crime. The rooms operate on principles that safeguard the rights and freedoms of the child during investigative and procedural actions.

The “green room” comprises two spaces separated by special glass. One room facilitates communication with the child, while the other allows observation of the conversation. These interactions can be recorded and utilized in court proceedings removing the need to directly involve the child, thus preventing re-traumatization. The set-up also facilitates contact with children and adolescents who have encountered legal conflicts.

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, affirmed that Denmark's comprehensive programmes in Ukraine are intended to support critical areas for the state, particularly the sustainable functioning of the law enforcement system. “It is very important for us to contribute to the development of a child-friendly justice system in Ukraine, so that children are not afraid of law enforcement agencies and can be guaranteed help in difficult situations,” Mikkelsen said.

Mykhailo Volkov, the Representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, endorsed the collaborative efforts of the public sector, law enforcement agencies, and international partners in establishing “green rooms”. Volkov emphasized “the importance of gradually expanding the model to more police units.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the need to prioritize the development of child-friendly justice. “UNDP consistently collaborates with the police to create comfortable and secure conditions, enabling children to express their experiences and emotions freely and without fear,” Cilliers said.

The project to launch the green room was initiated by the “Ehida Zaporizhzhia” NGO and implemented with UNDP support, with financial assistance from the Government of Denmark.

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