Ombudsman Highlights Systemic Violations of Children's Rights to Special Education in Ukraine

In Ukraine, systemic violations of children's rights to special education are becoming increasingly evident, as the number of complaints regarding bullying and abuse continues to rise. This troubling trend was highlighted by Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights, during his annual report for 2025, which he presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation.

Lubinets pointed out that educational institutions often take on social functions, effectively transforming into de facto 'boarding' facilities where children in dormitories do not receive basic necessities, such as adequate living conditions. He stated, 'There are systemic violations of children's rights to special education. Children with special educational needs lack services, specialists, and support,' he wrote on his Telegram channel on Wednesday.

The Ombudsman emphasized that education remains inaccessible due to a lack of resources, conditions, and barriers, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with disabilities and those with special educational needs. This situation is concerning as it jeopardizes children's opportunities to receive quality education.

Lubinets also underlined the absence of a strategy for accessing education and integrating youth from temporarily occupied territories. This results in Ukrainians remaining in these areas under threat or seeking better living conditions in the Russian Federation.

In his report, the Ombudsman provided statistics that reveal serious issues within the education system. 'There have been 205 documented cases of violence and abuse, including within educational institutions. The worst part is that these incidents are often concealed by administrations, and there is a lack of response! We received 191 complaints regarding bullying, which is a 55% increase compared to 2024,' Lubinets noted. He also reported that as a result of responses to these cases, 12 criminal proceedings were initiated, administrative protocols were drawn up against 22 individuals, and disciplinary actions were taken against 34 individuals. However, according to the Ombudsman, accountability is often evaded.

Lubinets called on the government to take action, emphasizing the need to harmonize legislation to combat violence. He urged the Ministry of Education and Science to eliminate barriers to access for individuals with disabilities to vocational and higher education, starting from the admission process and extending to the conditions of study. The Ombudsman also called for the abolition of outdated regulations, the establishment of a clear response protocol to violence, and a review of restrictions on the transfer and reinstatement of students in their studies.