With the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine was forced to quickly create mechanisms to rescue the civilian population. Evacuation became one of the key elements of state policy for the protection of human rights in wartime. However, the experience of the last two years has shown that it is time to move from ad hoc decisions to a systematic approach based on clear standards, transparent coordination and guarantees for every individual.
Regulatory framework: achievements and gaps
The current regulatory framework — in particular, Resolution No. 546 of 1 June 2023 and No. 911 of 9 August 2024 — has created a legal framework for evacuation measures, particularly for children and persons in round-the-clock care facilities. At the same time, it does not form a comprehensive policy: there are still no uniform standards for the arrangement of transit centres, clearly defined responsible authorities or a mechanism for guaranteeing the rights of those who evacuate independently.
Resolution No. 841 of 30 October 2013, which defines the procedure for evacuating the population, also needs to be updated. Recently developed amendments to it have the potential to make the procedure more coordinated, understandable and human rights-oriented. This is precisely the issue that is the focus of my work as the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Monitoring and proposals of the Ombudsman’s Office
On my behalf, regional offices conducted 19 monitoring visits to transit centres for internally displaced persons in various regions of Ukraine. We checked living conditions, access to safe premises, hygiene, water, heating and communications.
The results showed that only 11 of the 19 centres inspected are actually functioning, while the others do not accept people. The most common problems are the lack of facilities for people with reduced mobility, insufficient heating, limited staff and low levels of privacy.
These conclusions formed the basis for the Ombudsman’s Office’s proposals to the Government, in particular:
- Introduction of minimum standards for the establishment of transit centres (temperature control, sanitary conditions, accessibility, access to water, medical care and shelter).
- Guarantees of equal rights for those who evacuate independently — they should have the same guarantees as those who leave through official channels.
- Using the existing database of internally displaced persons to register evacuees will help avoid duplication of information.
Next steps and priorities
Evacuation is not simply the technical relocation of people from dangerous areas. It is part of the state policy to protect the lives, freedom and dignity of citizens.
We must create a system in which every person, regardless of the method of evacuation, feels the support of the state. It must be clearly defined who is responsible for transport, accommodation and social assistance, and all actions must be coordinated within a single algorithm.
As the Ombudsman of Ukraine, I look forward to the swift adoption of amendments to Resolution No. 841 and emphasise that the institution of parliamentary control will closely monitor that the evacuation mechanism is not only declared but also effectively implemented in practice.
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