The Ternopil Regional Recruitment Centre was holding 28 people with disabilities and mental health conditions. During an inspection, a guard was found to be drunk, with a blood alcohol level almost seven times the legal limit. Following intervention, five people who were not subject to conscription were released from the centre.
- Twenty-eight people with disabilities and mental health conditions were being held at the Ternopil Social Care Centre.
- The guard was drunk; his blood alcohol level was almost seven times the legal limit.
- 17 people have lodged complaints regarding violations of their rights.
- Following the intervention, five people who were not subject to conscription were released.
Violations identified at the Ternopil Regional Centre for Social Services
During the Ombudsman’s visit Dmytro Lubinets Numerous violations of detainees’ rights were recorded at the Ternopil Regional Detention Centre. In total, there were 28 people with disabilities and mental health conditions at the centre. The guard was found to be drunk — his blood alcohol level was almost seven times the legal limit.
Complaints from detainees
Seventeen of the 28 detainees have lodged complaints regarding violations of their rights. This points to systemic problems in the treatment of people with special needs. The lack of proper oversight has created conditions conducive to violations and mistreatment.
Exemption from conscription
After intervention by the Ombudsman and the relevant authorities released five people from the centre who were not subject to mobilisation. Among them were a man with a permanent Group II disability, two people with mental health conditions, and two men who were six months shy of their 60th birthday. These actions were a direct consequence of the identified violations and an attempt to rectify the situation.
