Ombudsman calls for measures to protect CCC from draft evasion

Ukraine has recorded an increase in cases of aggression by citizens against employees of territorial recruitment and social support centers. This even happens in the form of serious crimes.

This situation has contributed to a new discussion about which bodies should be responsible for mobilization measures, including forced ones.

Military Ombudsman Olga Reshetylova expressed the opinion that the existing legislation does not provide for the participation of servicemen of territorial centers in forced mobilization. She noted that their main duties are focused on maintaining military records, forming mobilization plans and cooperating with military units.

According to her, the functions of forced mobilization, on the contrary, should be performed by law enforcement officers, in particular the National Police. They have the appropriate training and skills to work with the population in such situations.

Reshetylova also emphasized that Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have undergone training with the participation of civil society and international partners, which increases their professionalism and safety on a large scale. She believes that the transfer of such powers to the police will be logically justified and in accordance with the law.

According to her, there is an understanding of the need for changes in the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She expressed the hope that this issue will be considered in the near future, since it is about adapting practice to the current legal framework, and not about new reforms.

The Ombudsman also drew attention to the excessive workload on employees of territorial centers. In addition to mobilization work, they perform many social tasks, including notifying families of losses, working with relatives of missing and deceased persons, and participating in organizing funerals.

She noted that military personnel who are supposed to be engaged only in social support are often involved in mobilization activities, which further increases the workload on personnel.

Reshetilova emphasized that the center’s employees often work without days off or vacations for several years. The constant emotional stress associated with the news of the death of loved ones significantly affects their psycho-emotional state.

As a result, many of them face serious moral exhaustion, which, according to the ombudsman, is a significant problem and requires attention at the state level.