Only 34 civilians released from Russian captivity received medical care in specialised facilities – Ombudsman monitoring

Civilians released from Russian captivity lack adequate access to medical care and rehabilitation, despite these being guaranteed by the Law “On Social and Legal Protection of Persons Whose Personal Freedom Has Been Established as a Result of Armed Aggression Against Ukraine, and Members of Their Families”, as presented in the Ombudsman’s annual report on the state of observance and protection of human and citizen rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2024.

The Ombudsman’s Secretariat conducted remote monitoring of the provision of medical, rehabilitation, and psychological assistance to released civilians in relevant facilities. During the monitoring, office staff found that out of 21 designated healthcare institutions, released civilians were present in only four.

The duration of stay in these facilities varied from one day to a maximum of 14 days. The total number of individuals who received medical, rehabilitation, and psychological assistance was 34.

The Ombudsman’s Office indicates that the measures stipulated by regulatory documents in Ukraine do not extend to civilians whose deprivation of liberty has been established as a result of Russian armed aggression. Consequently, this category of citizens does not have proper access to medical care and rehabilitation. The department believes that making relevant amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1210 would enable the identification of implementers for priority measures to ensure the social protection of released civilians.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman’s Office considers that changes are needed to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 296/2024 to facilitate the recovery and support of this category of citizens, especially those who suffer from mental and other disorders, injuries, severe illnesses, or have endured torture and cruel treatment.

“Extending these regulatory legal acts to civilians returning from Russian prisons will contribute to their full reintegration into civilian life and enhance their legal protection,” states the annual report.

It is reported that participants of a working group are currently processing amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Resolutions No. 1210 of October 28, 2022, and No. 296 of March 15, 2024. Following discussions on the group’s developments with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the agency initiated the coordination of the draft amendments. Taking into account the Ministry of Defence’s position, the draft will be forwarded for approval to central executive bodies.

The Ombudsman urged the Ministry of Health to develop and submit for government consideration a draft of amendments to Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 296 of March 15, 2024, specifically regarding the improvement of medical, rehabilitation, and psychological assistance to released civilians.

The Ombudsman’s annual report also stated that only one civilian out of all those released from Russian captivity received temporary housing.

Earlier, the East Ukrainian Centre for Civic Initiatives called on the authorities to reform the state system of support and legal protection for those released from captivity to ensure adequate and fair reparations in the future. In its research, the human rights organisation highlighted several shortcomings in this system and emphasised that an ineffective system for recognising victims of Russian aggression reduces potential reparations for Ukraine.