Cabinet resolution #147 of February 9, 2024
Decision-maker: Cabinet of Ministers
Status: in effect since February 9, 2024
Who is affected: conscripts, persons subject to military service, their families, and territorial recruitment and social support centers
Summary:
Recruitment centers are allowed to operate 24/7 to perform the following tasks:
- to consider cases of administrative offenses and impose administrative penalties
- to organize medical examinations and psychological tests for persons subject to military service and reservists
- to keep records of conscripts, persons subject to military service, and reservists
- to keep records of vehicles subject to requisition for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units under martial law
- the decision regarding the operation schedule of each recruitment center will be made by its head.
What is right:
- the resolution may improve the mobilization and staffing processes of the Armed Forces and other military units
- it will be more convenient for persons subject to military service and reservists to visit the recruitment centers in their free time if the centers operate 24/7
- the resolution may help the recruitment centers to better respond to the needs of persons subject to military service and their family members who need assistance outside of standard business hours.
What is wrong:
- the resolution does not define clear rules and procedures for the recruitment centers operating 24/7. This could result in abuse of power by the representatives of recruitment centers
- the probability that the rights and freedoms of citizens will be violated increases, as it is more difficult to get assistance from lawyers and human rights defenders at night.
Alternative solution:
- the Ministry of Defense should develop clear procedures for recruitment centers operating 24/7, which would guarantee respect for citizens’ rights and effective performance. To reduce tension in society, an information campaign should be implemented to explain to citizens their rights and obligations regarding the 24/7 operation of recruitment centers.