The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has reported systemic human rights violations in social care institutions. During monitoring visits to neuropsychiatric boarding schools and geriatric nursing homes, restrictions were found that contradict international and national legislation. We are talking about the right to liberty and security of person guaranteed by Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Article 29 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Article 25 of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Psychiatric Care’.
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According to Mr Lubinets, in psychoneurological institutions, the inmates are often unreasonably restricted in their freedom of movement. Persons under intensive supervision are forced to stay in isolated rooms around the clock and leave only for meals. Such restrictions are imposed by the administration for security reasons to prevent escapes, but have no legal basis and degrade human dignity.
Violations are also recorded in geriatric institutions. Residents not allowed to leave the territory even for domestic or important social reasons, such as to visit a shop, church, or the burial place of their relatives. This leads to isolation and loss of contact with society.
The Ombudsman added that some residents are not allowed to move freely around the facility or even stay in their own living rooms during the day. This is particularly critical for people taking psychotropic drugs or other medications that can cause drowsiness, fatigue, or headaches. The inability to rest in such conditions can worsen health, cause chronic fatigue and exacerbate diseases.
Dmytro Lubinets emphasised that respect for human rights should remain an absolute value in any institution where people are held. Even in the most vulnerable conditions, the state is obliged to guarantee people their fundamental freedoms.
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