The state of shelters in Ukraine: results of the Ombudsman's inspections
The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has reported 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 significant shortcomings.
During the inspections, experts found that many shelters do not meet established safety standards. The main problems include limited access to the premises, a lack of proper equipment, and the unsatisfactory technical condition of the structures themselves. In some cases, citizens simply cannot get inside during an emergency.
The Ombudsman emphasized that the availability of a safe place for civilians is critically important under martial law. Responsibility for the condition and accessibility of shelters lies with local authorities and building owners, who must ensure they are ready for use at any time.
Based on the results of the inspections, relevant recommendations were provided to address the identified violations. It is expected that authorities will take urgent measures to improve access to shelters and bring them into proper condition to ensure the safety of Ukrainians during enemy attacks.