How the Remote Damage Assessment System Works
A new system for remotely assessing property damage in occupied Ukrainian territories has been launched. Property owners seeking compensation must apply through a process requiring registration in two separate registries. It is crucial to note that applications can be denied if supporting documents are outdated, a significant risk for many.
The Application Process Explained
To apply for an assessment, owners must register in an electronic registry that has been operational since 2013. The 'eRenewal' program offers compensation for repairing damaged homes and provides housing certificates for destroyed property. Separately, the international damage registry known as RD4U, based in The Hague, includes a specific category (A3.6) for loss of access to property in occupied areas, which is a critical consideration for affected owners.
A pilot project for remote sensing was successfully tested in Melitopol, setting a precedent for future initiatives. As Iryna Poliakova noted, the modern digital state cannot 'see' this property, which complicates the compensation process for owners who cannot physically access their homes.
'The 'eRenewal' program only compensates for the cost of damaged building materials, while the created registry aims to secure compensation for all losses, including the loss of the right to use one's property.' Iryna Poliakova
Owners who are forcibly denied access to their homes are entitled to compensation for this violation of their rights. This underscores the necessity of registering in both systems and ensuring all documentation is current to successfully navigate the assessment procedure.
The introduction of this remote assessment mechanism is a vital step in upholding the rights of property owners in occupied territories. This initiative is part of broader efforts to document war crimes and secure future reparations. Streamlining the process through electronic registration and utilizing the international damage registry may help restore access to compensation for those impacted by the conflict. This approach also highlights the importance of updated documents, which can significantly affect the speed and effectiveness of receiving aid in a situation where many owners cannot return to their homes.