Monitoring visit to Druzhelyubivka Correctional Centre No. 1

I. General information

On 30 October 2020, a KHPG monitoring group consisting of Maksym Revyakin, Ihor Sosonskyi, and Pavlo Shvab carried out a monitoring visit to the State Institution “Druzhelyubivka Correctional Centre No. 1”.

The Druzhelyubivka Correctional Centre is located in the village of Kamiane, Vilnyansk district, Zaporizhzhia region. It should be noted that finding the centre was quite difficult, as it is located in a different settlement contrary to its name. At the time of the visit, 122 convicts were serving their sentences in the centre. The administrative staff consists of 56 people.

Upon arrival at the institution, the monitors underwent temperature screening and were invited to disinfect their hands. Disinfection barriers were present at the checkpoint.

II. Living quarters

The living quarters are located in one building on three floors. The monitors positively note the fresh cosmetic renovation and installed double-glazed windows. But at the same time, the standard of residential space per convict is not observed due to the bunk beds installed in almost every living room. Representatives explain this by the liquidation of other correctional centres and the transfer of convicts to this institution, which is why they are forced to deviate from the established standards.

The dining rooms are equipped with kitchen utensils; drinking water tanks are available. Sanitary facilities are equipped with functional plumbing, which is partitioned off with high partitions and doors that ensure privacy.

III. Bath and laundry complex

In the bath and laundry complex, domestic water heaters are installed, and a major renovation has been completed. The shower is separated by partitions and mats, but there are no curtains. There is a barbershop where convicts have the opportunity to get a haircut for free. In the laundry, there are two new domestic washing machines, the capacity of which, in the opinion of the monitors, does not meet the needs of the convicts.

IV. Canteen

Renovations have been carried out in the kitchen and the canteen hall. The premises are tidy, but the monitors noticed the presence of cockroaches and other insects. At the entrance to the canteen, there are only three washbasins. There are disinfectants and soap. On the information board, the menu date did not correspond to the date of the monitors' visit.

V. DIZO

At the time of the visit to the institution, there was not a single rule violator in the disciplinary isolation ward. Since the beginning of the year, 29 convicts have been subjected to disciplinary penalties. The cells are renovated; double-glazed windows that can be opened independently are installed. A washbasin is installed. The toilet is separated by a low wall and has no door.

There is no medical unit in the institution. There is no paramedic; there are also no medical drugs available. In case of need for medical assistance, convicts must write an application to visit a local hospital accompanied by a representative of the administration. There is also a problem with re-registering declarations with family doctors and extending disability groups.

EU Project “Combating Torture, Ill-Treatment and Impunity in Ukraine”