Mr. President,

We welcome this dialogue with both mandate holders; let me thank IE on SOGI Mr. Madrigal-Borloz for his, I am sure, successful visit to my country. We look forward to his report and discussion on his findings and observations at the 43rd HRC session. Allow me to turn to the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.

Despite the ongoing external military aggression against our country that led to the temporary occupation of Crimea and certain areas of Donbas, Ukraine remains committed to implementing a comprehensive reform agenda, in particular in anti-corruption and judicial areas, aimed at strengthening independence of the judiciary, curbing corruption and consolidating democracy.

The mandate of the High Council of Justice, independent judicial self-government body, is to safeguard independence of the judiciary and its functioning based on responsibility and accountability before the society. It is responsible for the formation of a trustworthy and highly professional judicial corps in compliance with the Constitution and the legislation of Ukraine, and in line with the professional ethics.

The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine was established in April this year. 38 judges of the Court and the Appeals Chamber were selected in a transparent manner by the Public Council of International Experts and the High Qualification Commission of Judges and appointed by the President of Ukraine. By setting up this court, Ukraine completed the creation of an independent anti-corruption infrastructure.

Ukrainian civil society has been playing an active role in designing and exercising oversight over implementation of reforms, including in anti-corruption and judicial areas. 

In light of the standing open invitation issued by Ukraine to all Special Procedures please be assured, Mr. García-Sayán,of our readiness to cooperate.

Thank you. 

,