Defense Forces Establish Special Commission to Investigate Violations at Uzhhorod Territorial Center – Operational Command 'West'

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have initiated a response following statements made by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, who highlighted extensive violations occurring at the Uzhhorod District Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (RTC and SS). According to information provided by the Operational Command 'West', a special commission has been established to conduct a detailed investigation into the reported facts.

This decision comes in light of revelations made by the Ombudsman's representative in the Transcarpathian region, Andriy Kryuchkov, regarding identified violations at the Uzhhorod RTC and SS. In response, the Defense Forces plan to implement a series of measures to ensure a thorough investigation of the situation.

Specifically, the newly created special commission has commenced a service check aimed at verifying the accuracy of the reported facts, as well as uncovering any other potential violations that may have occurred within the center's operations. All materials collected by the commission will be forwarded to the relevant authorities for legal assessment and to hold accountable those responsible.

The command of the Operational Command 'West' emphasizes its firm stance on maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards any manifestations of human rights violations, service negligence, or abuse of power by the leadership and military personnel of the territorial recruitment and social support centers. 'We assure that all facts will be thoroughly verified, and those responsible will be held accountable,' representatives of the command stressed.

It is important to note that earlier, the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, released the results of a monitoring visit to the Uzhhorod RTC and SS. During this visit, numerous violations were documented, including the illegal detention of individuals, unsanitary conditions, and the neglect of illnesses, which sparked public outrage.

This situation underscores the necessity for rigorous inspections within military institutions to ensure the protection of human rights and appropriate conditions for all who serve or are registered at such centers. The Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to work on improving service conditions and safeguarding the rights of military personnel and civilians seeking assistance from territorial recruitment centers.

Source: Operational Command 'West'