A round table discussion entitled “Systematic support for civilians returning from Russian captivity: problems and solutions” was held in Ukraine. The event was chaired by Yuriy Kovbasa, Representative of the Commissioner in the security and defence sector, and attended by representatives of state bodies and the public.
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According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, the main challenges for released civilians remain housing, access to medical and psychological assistance, restoration of documents, as well as social and professional adaptation. Citizens who, due to gaps in legislation, find themselves outside the existing support mechanisms require particular attention.
The participants of the round table emphasised the need to adopt a separate regulatory act to regulate this area. They noted the importance of involving the public in the formation of a common model of assistance to civilians released from captivity.
For reference: According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, hundreds of cases of illegal detention of civilians have been recorded since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some of them returned home during exchanges, but a significant number of people are still in Russian captivity. After their release, former captives face numerous problems, as existing state programmes are mainly designed for military personnel, while there is no separate support system for civilians yet.
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