State veteran policy requires changes to remove barriers in upholding the rights of defenders
The number of veterans in Ukraine has exceeded two million and continues to grow. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the development of relevant state policy will have strategic importance for the country for the next three decades. This was reported by Ukrinform citing Dmytro Lubinets, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, presented a Special Report analyzing the state of implementation of veteran policy. The document was in development for over two years, based on appeals and experiences of veterans recorded since 2022.
The comprehensive study involved a series of monitoring visits and utilized materials from international partners and non-governmental organizations. A significant portion of the analysis comprises results from a survey of one thousand veterans, organized by the Commissioner’s Office in cooperation with the Council of Europe.
Assessment of State Support
Nearly half of the surveyed respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of protection of their rights by the state. The study also revealed that 30% of veterans are aware of available state services but lack access to them or encounter difficulties when attempting to obtain the necessary assistance.
Furthermore, 16% of those surveyed reported negative experiences in dealing with responsible agencies. According to the Ombudsman’s data, only 25% of territorial communities provide veterans with legal support, while access to psychological services at the local level covers only 18% of regions, with funding often falling on private business or international funds.
Legal Protection and Systemic Challenges
Dmytro Lubinets highlighted the need to end the practice of a “dual front,” where, after combat, defenders are forced to engage in a lengthy struggle with the bureaucratic system for their rights. He cited the case of veteran Mykhailo Bakaliuk, who, after returning from the front, faced criminal prosecution and dismissal while attempting to organize veteran policy within his community.
The Ombudsman stated that the state apparatus must ensure respectful treatment of veterans rather than forcing them to constantly prove their own value. Returning home should mark the beginning of normal civilian life, not another stage of exhausting struggle for justice.
Illustrative photo: OSCE Parliamentary Assembly from Copenhagen, Denmark / CC BY-SA 2.0
