Shelters in Mykolaiv proved unsuitable for safe stay

Representatives of the Ombudsman's Office inspected the shelter in Mykolaiv and found a number of violations, including problems with accessibility, technical condition and lack of basic safety conditions. Based on the results of the inspections, reports are being prepared with recommendations for local authorities and facility managers.

This was reported by the press service of the Office of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights in Mykolaiv region.

In Mykolaiv, serious shortcomings were found in the condition of shelters: poor accessibility for people with limited mobility, lack of ventilation, water and sanitary conditions. These conclusions were reached by the chief specialists of the Ombudsman's Office of Ukraine during the inspection of protective structures in the city.

The regional representatives of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights inspected shelters at the Oleksandriv Lyceum, Kalynonka kindergarten, Molodizhnyi Palace of Culture, Zakhyst utility company and a temporary accommodation facility for people in difficult life circumstances.

During the visits, they assessed the technical condition of the premises, accessibility for people with disabilities, water supply, lighting, ventilation, and hygiene products.

According to the press service, the inspections are followed by reports with recommendations for local authorities and heads of institutions to eliminate the shortcomings as soon as possible. The Ombudsman's Office emphasized that providing safe and accessible shelters is not only a requirement of the time, but also the state's duty to its citizens in times of war.

The inspections of the shelters in Mykolaiv took place against the backdrop of a scandal that followed a nighttime rocket attack on August 2 and 3. Back then, several teenagers and families with children were unable to get into the shelter because it was closed. The police opened a criminal investigation into the incident.

Last year, the monitoring group checked 484 shelters, including 23 in Mykolaiv. They assessed accessibility, basic quality and readiness to accept people with pets. The situation in Mykolaiv was disappointing: only 17% of the shelters had seats, 4% had a supply of drinking water, and 13% allowed pets. None of the shelters were equipped with a ramp or gentle slope, so people with disabilities could not use them.

Анна Бальчінос