Control over security forces will be strengthened: Rada committee supports draft law on new reporting rules

A step towards greater accountability of law enforcement officers

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Committee on Law Enforcement Activities has recommended that the parliament adopt in the first reading draft law No. 14130, which provides for increased control over the activities of law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office.

The document is aimed at increasing the transparency of the work of law enforcement agencies and expanding the mechanisms of parliamentary oversight.

New requirements for reports by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Prosecutor’s Office

The draft law proposes to amend the laws on the State Bureau of Investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office, the parliamentary regulations, and the activities of committees.

A key innovation is the detailing of annual reports. The Director of the State Bureau of Investigation and the Prosecutor General will have to report separately on investigations into cases of torture, other ill-treatment, and measures to protect victims.

Changes to parliamentary procedures

In addition, the draft law expands parliamentary procedures. In particular, it provides for consideration of the report of the Director of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine in the Verkhovna Rada.

The powers of the committees are also clarified: the profile committee will be able to hold closed meetings with the participation of the leadership of the National Police of Ukraine to discuss high-profile events or topical issues.

Part of reforms and European integration

The explanatory note states that the draft law was developed within the framework of the implementation of the government’s plan for reforming the law enforcement system for 2023–2027.

It is also related to the fulfillment of Ukraine’s obligations in the process of negotiations on accession to the European Union, in particular in terms of ensuring the rule of law.