The state of shelters in Ukraine: results of the Ombudsman's inspections
The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has released the results of a large-scale inspection of protective structures across the country. According to him, the situation regarding the safety of citizens during air raids remains difficult, as the majority of the inspected facilities have serious deficiencies.
During the inspections, specialists focused on the accessibility of the premises, their technical condition, and the availability of necessary conditions for people to stay for extended periods. It turned out that many shelters do not meet established safety standards. Among the main problems are locked doors, a lack of proper equipment, and unsatisfactory sanitary conditions.
The Ombudsman emphasized that access to a safe place during shelling is a fundamental right of every citizen. The inability to use a shelter at a critical moment puts people's lives and health at risk. Therefore, the issue of bringing protective structures into proper order is a priority for local authorities.
Currently, the responsible bodies have received recommendations regarding the rectification of the identified violations. It is expected that measures will be taken in the near future to ensure that all residents have free and safe access to shelters at any time of the day.