The number of appeals regarding violations of citizens' rights related to mobilization has increased 333 times in recent years - Lubinets

The number of appeals regarding violations of citizens' rights related to mobilization has increased 333-fold compared to 2022. This was stated by the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, during a parliamentary session, reports UNN.

The most acute issue I have faced in 2025 is mobilization. Dear Members of Parliament, the number of appeals to me regarding violations of the rights of Ukrainian citizens related to mobilization has increased 333-fold compared to 2022. I have received more than 6,000 appeals. Unfortunately, the shameful practice of using balaclavas, the use of illegal force, beatings continues, and it has even reached the point where civilian citizens of Ukraine are being killed on the premises of Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs). All instructions given to the relevant structures regarding a fundamental change in the mobilization process have failed,

He noted that, unlike many who publicly claim that it is impossible to change the system under conditions of full-scale aggression, he categorically disagrees with this.

I demand that a working group be urgently established at the level of the Ministry of Defense, which will personally include the Commissioner along with representatives of the parliament. We have a recipe for how to urgently change this situation. Citizens of Ukraine must feel protected on the premises of the TRC and SS (Social Support), not the other way around,

Addendum

Today, May 13, the Verkhovna Rada took note of the annual report presented by the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights on the state of observance and protection of human and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2025.

The Parliament recommended that state authorities and local self-government bodies consider the recommendations provided in the Ombudsman's annual report and take measures within their competence to properly ensure the realization of human and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine.

The report indicates that in 2025, there is a trend where employees of the TRC and SS conduct forceful detentions and document checks in a manner that may violate citizens' rights.

"People are being forcibly taken to territorial recruitment and social support centers without the authority to do so. Often, these employees cover their faces with balaclavas and do not use body cameras. In 2025, 6,127 appeals to me concerned signs of rights violations during mobilization. These involved illegal detentions, as well as superficial medical examinations and problems with deferments. There was a reaction to every appeal — inquiries, inspections, actions within my powers. Based on the results, a number of systemic, personnel, legal, and organizational problems were recorded, and relevant recommendations for their elimination were provided. At the end of the year, another trend appeared: unlawful actions by citizens against TRC and SS employees. Therefore, I emphasize: mobilization cannot take place outside the law. Violation of rights is unacceptable from any side. The law must be the sole measure of responsibility," the report states.

Reminder

In Odesa, human rights violations by representatives of the TRC and SS have been recorded and are already receiving a legal assessment. Against the backdrop of the increasing number of complaints, this case has become a clear signal of the need for systemic changes in the work of the bodies responsible for mobilization.