86. Currently, internal oversight mechanisms are not effective in reviewing incidents of injury or loss of life resulting from the use of force by law enforcement personnel. In addition, the police are generally distrusted and perceived as being corrupt and lacking professionalism. For these reasons, it is important to create platforms, open to civil society and other nonpolice actors, including women’s groups, to discuss the work of the police and its performance and to put in place conditions for greater public accountability of law enforcement officials. Administration of justice reforms 87. As noted in previous reports, many of the concerns that led to the Maidan events and the crisis in the east are systemic ones, rooted in a weak rule of law and the absence of effective checks and balances. The law “On the restoration of the credibility of the judiciary in Ukraine” developed a mechanism for the dismissal of judges who have discredited the judiciary institution by violating professional and ethical standards or being corrupt. A lustration procedure has been put in place to undertake a vetting of judges. However it does not follow some generally recognized requirements in the area of judicial proceedings. For example, past court decisions can be scrutinized by an ‘Interim Special Commission’, which can decide to immediately dismiss judges. The Commission held its first session on 3 July, elected its head and deputy head, but has not initiated any vetting yet. There is concern that the implementation of the law could lead to unjustified and non-motivated dismissals of judges and jeopardize the administration of justice. There is an urgent need to strengthen the institutional independence of the judiciary. This can be done by ensuring, among other things, that the appointment and dismissal of judges, as well as the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against them, leave no room for undue political or other pressure. On matters of judicial self-administration, international standards require that any decision affecting the selection, recruitment, appointment, career progress or termination of office of a judge should be taken by an independent authority within which at least one half of those who sit are judges elected by their peers. However, the High Council of Justice, which plays a central role in the appointment judges, does not fulfil this requirement: only 3 out of 20 members are appointed by the Congress of judges. In addition, when appointed, judges serve for a 5-year trial period after which they can be elected by parliament to a lifetime position. This lengthy trial period is of concern as it opens up the possibility for undue influence on the decision-making of judges during that time. Legal and constitutional amendments should address obstacles to an independent judiciary, namely the role and composition of the High Council of Justice; the length of the trial period, and the role of Parliament in the appointment process. The authorities must also ensure that the justice system is sufficiently funded from the state budget. This would lower the dependency of the judiciary on public and private interests, and minimize the risk of corruption. 88. No progress has been made in reforming the prosecution system, which is another pillar of the justice system, and many recommendations have been made to that effect. The prosecution used to have broad powers outside the criminal justice process. Legal amendments in 2012 reduced them slightly by narrowing prosecutorial general supervision over the application of laws and abolishing the power to issue orders that have the effect of suspending an action undertaken/required. (“submissions”). In addition, the new Criminal Procedure Code, in force since November 2012, gives the Prosecution Service a greater role within the criminal justice process, which is a positive development. However, these measures are insufficient. It is important to provide the prosecution with a clearer mandate focused on leading pre-trial criminal investigations and prosecutions. Such changes can be implemented by amending the law “On the Prosecutor’s Office” and possibly the Constitution. It should also be noted that no progress has been made in establishing a State 148 | P a g e