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 the Ombudsman's data, the majority of the inspected facilities have serious shortcomings that prevent them from fully performing their primary function — protecting the civilian population during air raid alerts.
During the inspections, specialists identified a number of problems. Many shelters remain locked during times of danger, which denies people access to a safe place. Furthermore, some of the premises are in an unsatisfactory technical condition: they lack necessary utilities, ventilation, or basic conditions for people to stay for an extended period.
Special attention in the report was paid to the issue of equipping and ensuring the accessibility of shelters for people with limited mobility. As Dmytro Lubinets notes, many shelters are not adapted for people with disabilities, which is a violation of citizens' rights to safety. Additionally, there is frequently a lack of signage that would help people quickly find the nearest safe place under stressful conditions.
The Ombudsman emphasized that responsibility for the state of the protective structures lies with local authorities and the entities responsible for the maintenance of the facilities. Based on the results of the inspections, relevant recommendations were provided for the urgent rectification of the situation. The situation regarding shelters remains under the constant supervision of the Ombudsman's Office, as the lives and health of Ukrainians directly depend on the quality of these structures.