Serious violations of the conditions of detention of mobilised persons were found in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district territorial recruitment and social support centre in Odesa region. People are forced to stay in basement rooms, sleep on old beds without mattresses, and metal bars are installed on the doors of the rooms.
This was reported on 21 October by the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets based on the results of a monitoring visit by his representatives.
According to the ombudsman, the inspection found inadequate living and sanitary conditions. Some mobilised persons are housed in basements with concrete floors. People sleep on old beds, some of which are not equipped with mattresses, and instead of normal bedding they use old sheets.
In addition, inspectors found that holes in the walls near ventilation structures are plugged with ordinary pillows. The ombudsman also called the sanitary condition of the toilets unsatisfactory.
Representatives of the ombudsman paid special attention to the metal bars installed on the doors of the rooms where mobilised persons are held.
Lubinets believes that such structures may indicate restriction of freedom of people staying in the TCC. He stressed that these circumstances require a separate thorough investigation.
Violations were also found in the barracks of the guard company. According to the ombudsman, servicemen are housed in cramped rooms with bunk beds, and instead of bedside tables they use cardboard boxes.
On the territory of the TCC, inspectors also found alcohol in plastic containers. In addition, improper storage conditions for military property were revealed.
In particular, helmets and bulletproof vests intended for the protection of servicemen were in an open garage without doors, next to old furniture and other unnecessary items.
Lubinets stressed that mobilised citizens have the right to dignified treatment and proper conditions of stay, regardless of the circumstances of their arrival at the territorial recruitment centre.
According to him, ensuring normal living conditions, food and respect for human rights is a duty of the state, not an additional privilege for servicemen.
Based on the results of the monitoring visit, the Ombudsman's Office is preparing official response acts. Their goal is to achieve elimination of the identified violations and verification of the actions of officials responsible for the conditions of people's stay in the TCC.
Lubinets also stated the need for systematic changes in approaches to mobilisation. He expects concrete decisions from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that will prevent such violations in the future.
At the same time, conclusions about possible illegal restriction of freedom of mobilised persons and the responsibility of specific officials must be established based on the results of a corresponding check.
Based on materials: Dmytro Lubinets, Suspilne Odesa.
