Mold in the shelter, rotten food, 12 children in a room: Ombudsman reports flagrant violations at the "Artek Zakarpattia" camp

During monitoring at the children's camp "Artek Zakarpattia," numerous violations of children's living conditions were discovered. Based on the inspection results, appeals have already been sent to the leadership of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration and the National Social Service Service. This was reported on Saturday by Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, UNN reports.

Details

"Mold in the shelter, rotten food, 12 children in a room: is this how children should be resting?! I saw information on social media about possible violations of children's rights at the 'Artek Zakarpattia' camp. I immediately instructed my representative in the Zakarpattia region, Andriy Kryuchkov, to conduct monitoring. When there are suspicions of such violations, the response must be immediate. And this was confirmed by the results, which are simply outrageous," stated Dmytro Lubinets.

According to the official, at the time of the visit, there were 287 children from 10 regions of Ukraine in the camp. Including those from front-line regions and those most affected by Russian aggression. The children were sent for rest at the expense of the state budget.

"In the food unit — unsanitary conditions, flies, and violations of food storage conditions. Rotten vegetables and fruits were stored together with fresh ones. There was no dietary menu for children who needed it. In the rooms — 12 children each. Worn-out furniture and bedding, lack of proper places for personal belongings, mold and fungus. There are not enough shower cabins, water supply is only at certain hours. There is no adequate level of privacy," the Ombudsman reported.

The official emphasizes that the biggest concern is the safety of children during an air raid. In particular, according to him, the camp has a damp shelter with mold and without enough seating and necessary equipment.

"The children said that during an alert they mostly stay in the building and use the 'two-wall rule.' This is unacceptable! A child should not hide from a Russian missile behind two walls. A children's camp must have a safe shelter," the official pointed out.

In addition, problems were also found on the premises of the institution. In particular, according to Dmytro Lubinets, the camp lacks a continuous fence, proper lighting and video surveillance, and some playgrounds are in disrepair. The pool is not working.

"Therefore, letters have already been sent immediately to the head of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration and the head of the Main Department of the National Social Service Service in the Zakarpattia region. I demand to check who allowed the camp to start operating in such conditions, identify the responsible officials, and take immediate measures!" emphasized Dmytro Lubinets.

Currently, representatives of the Ombudsman are preparing a report with recommendations for eliminating violations, as well as a submission. According to Dmytro Lubinets, each identified fact will be given a proper legal assessment.

Reminder

In Khmelnytskyi region, five children were removed from dangerous living conditions. They lived in unsanitary conditions, ate expired food, and did not attend school.