Uzhhorod RTC and SP: 50 Days Without Human Rights

The Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has drawn attention to the results of a monitoring mission conducted at the Uzhhorod District Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (RTC and SP). According to him, the findings revealed "egregious violations" of human rights that require immediate action from the state.

The visit to the Transcarpathian region was carried out by Lubinets' representative, Andriy Kryuchkov, who documented numerous instances of violations on-site. Lubinets stated that the premises of the RTC and SP have transformed into places of unfreedom, where individuals are held without proper legal grounds. "The mobilization measures have created a model of permissiveness, where violations of citizens' rights have become the norm," emphasized the ombudsman.

Monitoring revealed that individuals held at the RTC and SP were detained without adequate justification for periods ranging from 21 to 50 days. Particularly striking is the fact that even veterans with combatant status certificates (UBD) were not released. "People had their documents and phones confiscated without proper procedure, depriving them of their right to defense," noted Lubinets.

The conditions of detention at the RTC and SP have sparked outrage. "For 40-60 individuals, there are only 3 mugs and 8 metal plates, forcing people to eat in turns from a single dish without proper sanitation. There are no confirmations of organized meals. The situation is completely unsanitary—one toilet and one shower for such a number of people, and no bedding available," the report stated.

Lubinets also focused on the health conditions of the detained individuals. The monitoring documented a disregard for obvious medical issues. "In the photo, there is a man with a noticeable physical disability, which cannot be overlooked, yet he continued to be held. Only after my representative intervened was an ambulance called for a man with blood pressure of 190 over 100, who had been asking for help for several days. He was hospitalized with a life-threatening condition. After this, it is not surprising that we receive reports of sudden deaths in the premises of the RTC and SP," stated the ombudsman.

Lubinets stressed the urgent need for reforms in the mobilization processes, as well as penalties for RTC and SP employees who violate the law. He emphasized that without changes, the situation will only worsen, potentially leading to greater stratification within the state system and further violations of human rights.

As a result of the monitoring, the ombudsman's office has submitted a statement regarding criminal offenses as stipulated by Articles 146, 127, 344, and 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The situation is under the personal control of the ombudsman. "Mobilization is necessary, but it must occur strictly within the legal framework," concluded Lubinets.