Over 90% of victims of Russian torture chambers do not receive status: why the state does not see them

The situation with victims of Russian torture in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: Over 90% of Ukrainians who have gone through Russian torture chambers cannot obtain official victim status in Ukraine. This leads to these individuals being deprived of state payments and social guarantees necessary for restoring their lives after the traumas they have endured. Only those who have returned home through official exchange procedures automatically receive status and financial assistance.

Problems with obtaining victim status

Civilians who have become victims of illegal detention go through this process for a period ranging from several days to months. The lack of victim status not only complicates their adaptation in society but also deprives them of the right to a one-time monetary assistance of 100,000 hryvnias. The process of obtaining status can take years, adding even more difficulties for those who have already suffered significantly.

The Special Commission under the Ministry of Reintegration regulates the establishment of the fact of imprisonment. To confirm the fact of captivity, testimony from at least two witnesses or data from open sources is required. Oleksandr Pavlichenko states:

“A person is simply pushed out and told: 'That's it, you weren't here and forget about it'” - Oleksandr Pavlichenko

This situation exposes the shortcomings in state mechanisms for supporting victims who have experienced violence and human rights violations. It is crucial to ensure proper legal support and effective procedures for confirming victim status so that the adaptation of these individuals in society becomes possible. The lack of state payments and social guarantees threatens their recovery and integration, which requires urgent resolution at the level of state policy.