On July 29, an online discussion entitled “Media coverage of convicts, prisoners, and (former) convicts in Ukraine: trust, bias, and the role of the media” was held, organized by the NGO “Young Agents of Change” in cooperation with the Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine as part of the international INSIGHT project.
The event program covered key topics covering both international and Ukrainian experience.
Project coordinator in Lithuania Ieva Mackutė shared her experience of implementing initiatives in Lithuania and other EU countries.
Dmytro Kiselov, junior researcher at the Research Center of the Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine, presented an analytical report on how the media in Ukraine influence attitudes toward prisoners.
Kateryna Seletska, journalist, radio and television presenter, and expert for the INSIGHT project, spoke about the importance of changing language—how to talk about imprisonment without prejudice.
Practical case studies were also presented:
Sofia Kozarno, a trainer for the INSIGHT project on developing soft skills for young prisoners and prisoners, shared her experience of conducting soft skills training sessions at the Kyiv Pre-Trial Detention Center.
Diana Semenova, head of the Chernihiv Regional Office, a branch of the State Institution “Probation Center in Chernihiv Region”, shared examples of working with probation clients in Chernihiv.
🔗 The event brought together over 100 experts from the penitentiary sector, human rights organizations, and the media community. Participants discussed the importance of ethical coverage of the topic, the impact of language on society’s attitude toward people with prison experience, and shared practical tools for support and resocialization.
We are grateful to everyone involved for their active participation and sincerely hope for further fruitful cooperation in building a society where everyone has a chance for a dignified future.
The INSIGHT project is implemented by Young Agents of Change (Ukraine) in cooperation with AY Institute and Prirašytos Rankos (Lithuania), SCAMBIEUROPEI ETS (Italy) and BRODOTO (Croatia) and funded by the European Union.
