Ukrainian government establishes military ombudsman office – photo

The Ministry of Defence has created the Central Directorate for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel, which will protect the rights of military personnel.

Source: Ministry of Defence’s website

Details: The ministry notes that the new institution is de facto a military ombudsman.

The office reports directly to the Minister of Defence and is in charge of hearing appeals and complaints from military personnel, providing primary legal assistance, conducting inspections, and investigating violations of military personnel and their families' rights.

Quote Defence Minister: "This initiative's implementation provides for a comprehensive approach to protecting the rights of soldiers and their family members, including responding to specific complaints, analysing specific situations, visiting violation sites, conducting inspections, and further measures to restore rights.

If the audit conducted under my orders establishes the corpus delicti for the violation of servicemen's rights, the corresponding appeal will be immediately sent to law enforcement officers."

Details: The Ministry of Defence listed the major violations that will be investigated by the newly established department:

• equipment and supply provision to military personnel;
• right to leave;
• prevention of commander abuse;
• inadequate medical care; 
• social guarantees;
• and gender equality violations.

The ministry states that the new institution is based on the experiences of countries where military ombudsmen have previously proven effective, including Sweden, Norway, Austria, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Czechia and Belgium. For more than 110 years, Sweden has had a successful military ombudsman institution.

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