New mobilization reform starts with scandals – Ombudsman reports violations of citizens' rights
Kyiv • UNN
The Ombudsman reported rights violations during mobilization and the Ministry of Defense's disregard for his initiatives. This concerns the use of force and illegal detentions.
A new mobilization reform is being prepared in Ukraine, which is already being called "painful" for society. Against this background, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, publicly stated systemic violations of citizens' rights during mobilization measures and criticized the lack of reaction from the state. The Ombudsman wrote about this on social media, UNN reports.
Currently, a new mobilization reform is being presented, and warnings are already being issued that it will be "painful." I read a number of outrages in the comments. But shouldn't we, before scaring society with new rules, finally answer: why are systemic human rights violations during mobilization still being ignored?!
Details
According to Lubinets, three weeks ago, during the presentation of the annual report in the Verkhovna Rada, he proposed creating a special working group under the Ministry of Defense with the participation of the Parliament and the Ombudsman's Office to respond to human rights violations during mobilization.
"I sent an official letter to the Ministry of Defense. What is the result? There is still no working group," he emphasized.
The Ombudsman stated that he continues to receive appeals regarding illegal actions during mobilization measures. According to him, this refers to the use of force, detention of citizens, and seizure of personal belongings.
Separately, Lubinets drew attention to the fact that participants in such measures continue to work in balaclavas, despite previous promises to stop such practice.
"Even in this video — people are in balaclavas. So where is the implementation of the Ministry of Defense order? Who controls its compliance and who will be held accountable for its actual disregard?" he stated, releasing a video.
According to the Ombudsman, trust in the state is formed not through public statements or presentations of reforms, but through the observance of the law by the authorities themselves.
"One cannot demand that citizens conscientiously fulfill their duties if certain officials allow themselves to violate their rights," Lubinets emphasized.
He also stated that mobilization reform without a real response to human rights violations risks turning into an "attempt to pretend that the problem does not exist."
The Verkhovna Rada Commissioner once again called on the Ministry of Defense to immediately create an appropriate working group and ensure control over the observance of citizens' rights during mobilization processes.