Violations of children’s rights in detention centers in Dnipropetrovs’k region: unsanitary conditions, lack of medical care and disregard for security

In Ukraine, the problem of violation of the rights of minors in pretrial detention centers (SIZO) remains acute and insufficiently resolved. This is especially true of children who are detained in places of execution and often face systematic neglect of their basic rights. Protecting the rights of children, especially those in conflict with the law, should be a priority task of the state, because it directly affects their future, ability to resocialize and further contribution to society. However, the reality shows a different picture: cruel detention conditions, unsanitary conditions, lack of medical care and educational opportunities are a daily practice.

A recent visit by representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office to the state institution “Kryvyi Rih Penitentiary No. 3” revealed a number of serious violations. Among the main problems are improper conditions of keeping children, lack of medical care and psychological support, which is a direct violation of human rights. These violations become even more critical in the context of war, when children not only do not receive adequate protection from physical and psychological threats, but are also exposed to additional dangers.

“Representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office in the Dnipropetrovsk Region visited the “Kryvyi Rih Correctional Institution No. 3”, where 3 minors are in custody.

According to the results of the visit, a number of violations were recorded, in particular:

• during an air alert, minors do not move to shelter;
• cells have an unsatisfactory sanitary and hygienic condition;
• drinking water tanks are in an unsanitary condition: the water contains sediment and dirt;
• conditions for leisure are not created;
• there is no control over the educational process;
• psychological assistance mostly does not take into account the peculiarities of the psychological state of minors;
• prison staff smoke in premises adjacent to those where minors are kept;
• there are no proper medical services for children”, – wrote ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets in Telegram.

Medical care: unattainable luxury

One of the most acute problems identified by representatives of the Office of the Ombudsman is the lack of proper medical care for children in custody. There have been recorded cases when children, especially babies who are with their mothers, were not provided with proper medical care. One of the most famous examples is the case of an infant who suffered from a high temperature for a long time. The child had a temperature of 38.5°C, and was examined by a pediatrician only after the intervention of representatives of the Ombudsman. Such cases are unacceptable, because timely provision of medical care is a fundamental right that the state must guarantee to every child, regardless of their legal status or place of detention.

In addition, problems with medical care for children are systemic. The institution’s representatives do not provide regular medical examinations and do not provide adequate medical care, even when necessary. The lack of qualified health workers, equipment and medicines is only part of the problem, which requires an immediate solution. This especially applies to children who are at increased risk of infectious diseases due to unsanitary conditions.

Unsanitary: a constant companion of children’s cameras

Unsanitary conditions of detention of minors is one of the most common and serious problems. The cells where the children are kept are in a state of disrepair. Representatives of the Ombudsman report cases where drinking water tanks have sediment and dirt, which is a health hazard. The presence of cockroaches and other insects in the cells creates a threat of the spread of infections and undermines general hygiene.

Such conditions have a negative impact not only on the physical condition of children, but also on their psychological condition. Constant stay in unsanitary facilities creates an atmosphere of hopelessness and punishment, which reinforces emotional isolation and can contribute to the formation of negative behavioral patterns. Children exposed to such conditions are not only physically threatened, but also lose hope of rehabilitation and return to normal life after release.

Education: ignoring the rights to development

Another important issue is the complete disregard for the right to education for minors. In Kryvyi Rih Penitentiary No. 3, proper conditions have not been created for children to continue their education. Education is a key factor in the resocialization of children who are in conflict with the law, but, unfortunately, in the conditions of the pre-trial detention center, this aspect is practically not discussed. Lack of access to educational resources means that children in custody miss out on important years of their development, which further limits their ability to integrate into society after release.

There is practically no control over the educational process, and the prison staff does not provide children with the necessary materials and support to continue their education. This creates additional barriers for children who, after release, have limited prospects in the labor market or in further education.

Psychological support: inability to take into account the peculiarities of children

Psychological support is another important aspect of keeping children in custody, but as practice shows, it is unsatisfactory in Kryvorizka SIZO. Psychologists working in such institutions often do not take into account the specific needs of children and their psychological state. This leaves children alone with their experiences, which can have long-term negative consequences for their emotional state and behavior.

It is particularly worrying that the lack of adequate psychological support contributes to the development of depression, anxiety and aggression among minors. This increases the risk of re-offending, as children do not receive the necessary help to overcome their emotional and psychological problems.

Food and lifestyle: children on the edge of survival

Children’s nutrition problems are another flagrant violation of their rights. Representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office recorded a case when a child, who was in a pretrial detention center with his mother, did not receive proper nutrition. Only thanks to the intervention of a partner organization was it possible to provide the child with the necessary food. This indicates systemic problems with ensuring the basic needs of children in places of execution.

In addition, the general living conditions in which the children live are unsatisfactory. The lack of proper nutrition, clean water and sanitary conditions creates additional risks for children’s health, which is exacerbated by the lack of access to quality medical care.

Photo: t.me/dmytro_lubinetzs

“It is important to note that the creation of appropriate conditions of detention is a key factor in the process of resocialization of children who are in conflict with the law. Providing access to educational, medical and social services helps to support their development and promotes a return to normal life. It is also an important countermeasure the spread of criminal subculture among minors and prevents repeated offenses in the future.” – summed up Lubinets.

Violation of the rights of minors in places of execution is a serious problem that needs an immediate solution. Kryvyi Rih Prison No. 3 is a vivid example of how neglecting children’s basic rights can lead to deterioration of their physical and psychological condition. Unsanitary conditions, lack of proper medical care, neglect of educational and psychological needs are only part of the problems that daily threaten children who find themselves in difficult life circumstances.

The state must ensure compliance with the rights of children in places of deprivation of liberty, creating conditions for their resocialization and return to normal life. This is not only an ethical obligation, but also an important step in preventing recidivism and shaping a positive future for the entire society.