Main vectors of reforming the Ukrainian penitentiary system in light of European integration processes: a retrospective view

The article examines the process of reforming the Ukrainian penitentiary system from independence to the present. It is stressed that with the advent of independence in Ukraine, there was a departure from the Soviet past and a wish to join Western European values and institutions. The European course and intention to be integrated into the European community have become the primary priorities of Ukraine’s foreign policy. The attention is focused on the fact that the political course taken by our country for integration into the European community requires transformations in various spheres of social relations. In this context, an important place is occupied by reforming the Ukrainian penitentiary system, taking into account the experience of positive functioning of the penitentiary systems in the European Union member states. Accession of Ukraine to the Council of Europe demonstrated the readiness of our country to make global reforms aimed at protecting human rights and strengthening democratic institutions. The historical analysis proved that the present Ukrainian penitentiary system follows the Soviet model for the treatment of prisoners, which is based on authoritarianism and totalitarianism. In light of European integration processes, the Ukrainian penitentiary system must be overviewed, and new ways must be sought for its development. Respect for the dignity of the human person is one of the most European Union values. Ukraine’s orientation to the system of European values shall contribute to rethinking and seeking new ways to build a civilised European-style penitentiary system in our country. In modern circumstances, the Ukrainian penitentiary system is still in crisis. It has many issues, which are primarily related to its underfunding, outdated prison infrastructure, inadequate level of medical care, numerous cases of prisoners’ ill-treatment, lack of a sufficient number of rehabilitation programs, etc. Comparative legal research on the functioning of the penitentiary systems in the European Union and Ukraine is needed to build a civilised European-style penitentiary system in our country. Analysing and studying the theoretical development of this subject will help formulating specific proposals for improving the Ukrainian criminal-executive system.