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The National Police of Ukraine, the National Police Agency of Japan, the Embassy of Japan, and UNDP gathered to commemorate their cooperation on bolstering access to justice and human rights
Japan and Ukraine mark police partnership in Ukraine in service of public safety and security
February 21, 2025
Photo: UNDP Ukraine
Kyiv, 21 February 2025 – The National Police of Ukraine, the Embassy of Japan, the National Police Agency of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have gathered to commemorate the friendship and discuss cooperation on promoting access to justice and the rule of law in Ukraine in times of war.
During the event, the participants also inspected vans provided to the National Police of Ukraine by Japan and UNDP that have been converted into mobile forensic laboratories. Memorial plaques have been placed in these mobile forensic labs to commemorate the friendship between the National Police of Ukraine and the National Police Agency of Japan.
In May 2024, UNDP with financial support from the Government of Japan, handed over equipment to the National Police of Ukraine’s forensic units. The support included the 26 forensic vans, 12 portable rapid DNA analysis machines, 800 chips, 4000 swabs, various forensic and investigation kits, and other accessory equipment for forensic investigations. This equipment helps the National Police of Ukraine to handle complex investigations and rapidly identify individuals’ DNA profiles in difficult field conditions.
At the event, Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine expressed Japan’s commitment to promoting human rights and the rule of law to foster a comprehensive, just, and sustainable recovery for Ukraine.
“I am particularly moved by the resolute dedication of the National Police of Ukraine, who serve on the frontline of this crisis with steadfast commitment. Japan has been unwavering in its support for Ukraine, and today, I wish to highlight our support for the National Police of Ukraine,” said Masashi Nakagome.
Ivan Vyhivsky, Head of the National Police of Ukraine, noted that the National Police has undergone significant changes during the war, with an expansion of its functions—one of which is the investigation of war crimes.
"We are constantly evolving, improving, and striving to reach the level of the world's best police agencies," said Ivan Vyhivskyi.
UNDP Resident Representative to Ukraine Jaco Cilliers stressed the value of such cooperation, which he said significantly contributes to the promotion of justice and security in Ukraine.
“At UNDP, we’re proud of our cooperation with the Government of Japan in providing comprehensive support to the National Police of Ukraine, enabling the application of innovative solutions to advance justice and human rights,” Cilliers said. “Strong and resilient justice
institutions are essential in times of crisis caused by war, enabling a rapid and effective response to emerging challenges.”
During the event, Ms. Kazumi Ogasawara, Director General for International Affairs at the National Police Agency of Japan recalled that her career started in Kobe, Japan, where the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake occurred 30 years ago. In her first year as a police officer, she worked together with colleagues to bring back as many missing individuals as possible to their families.
Underscoring the value of collaborative efforts to promote safety and security across Ukraine, Ogasawara stated that “I’m confident that the mobile laboratories provided through the UNDP project will enhance the expertise for handling complex forensic investigations related to war crimes and civic causalities”. She continued “additionally, after discussions between the National Police of Ukraine and UNDP, we placed memorial plaques on the vans, which bear the Japanese character ‘Kizuna.’ ‘Kizuna’ means inseparable bond in Japanese, which represent the tight and permanent friendship between Ukraine and Japan.”
Background
In May 2024, UNDP and the Government of Japan provided 26 vans, 12 portable rapid DNA analysis machines, 800 chips, 4000 swabs and other equipment to National Police of Ukraine forensic units. Earlier, in 2023, 25 forensic investigators of the National Police of Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs studied the experience and expertise of the National Police Agency of Japan in mass autopsy procedures, specimen collection techniques, and efficient methods for analysing DNA, all based on the knowledge and experience of their Japanese counterparts.
Media enquiries
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org
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