In recent years, Ukraine has been taking significant steps to reform its justice system and uphold the rule of law under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Despite the destruction and disruption caused by Russia’s war of aggression, justice institutions have remained operational and continued to implement strategic reforms. At the same time, Ukraine’s path towards European Union accession and broader international integration has increased the importance of a well-functioning, accountable and people-centred justice system.
Against this background, the OECD Justice Review of Ukraine provides an assessment of the justice system in Ukraine. It examines progress achieved, identifies remaining challenges and offers practical recommendations to support upcoming reforms. The Review covers governance, planning and co-ordination across the justice sector, as well as the systemic interaction of judicial independence, integrity, accountability and transparency. It further analyses the sector’s capacity, performance, enforcement of court decisions, digitalisation and data use and the design and delivery of people-centred justice services. The Review considers both the legal and institutional frameworks and the conditions in which justice institutions operate, including under wartime constraints.
The Review assesses Ukraine’s progress against OECD standards, particularly the OECD Recommendation on Access to Justice and People-Centred Justice Systems. It also draws on regional and international justice and rule of law indicators and good practice examples to evaluate Ukraine’s performance and identifies areas where further reform may be required. The Review situates recent and ongoing reforms in relation to people’s justice outcomes and Ukraine’s wider commitments as part of European Union accession and long-term recovery.
While the Review analyses the justice system in Ukraine, it does not examine reforms in the area of anti-corruption. Issues related to public integrity are addressed only insofar as they are relevant to justice governance and the integrity frameworks in place. A comprehensive analysis of anti-corruption policies and institutions is provided in the OECD Integrity and Anti-Corruption Review of Ukraine.
The Review was prepared under the OECD Ukraine Country Programme 2023-2027, which supports Ukraine in strengthening public institutions, enhancing resilience and advancing recovery and reconstruction. In this context, the Review aims to support Ukraine in developing more coherent, evidence-based and people-centred reforms for its justice system.