Legislative issues, discrimination in family law and gender equality challenges

In the context of violations of women's rights, it is impossible not to mention violations of men's rights, and this problem is especially noticeable during martial law. The war in Ukraine, which began in 2014 and escalated in 2022, has led to numerous violations of the rights of both civilians and military personnel. In addition to the fact that the rights of Ukrainian men are violated by the aggressor state, russia, which ruthlessly destroys our defenders and kills our children, we have faced certain human rights violations in Ukraine as well. And when repression and censorship, “foreign agents” and chieftaincy are the norm in russia, it is more beneficial for a pro-European and civilized Ukraine to act as a tolerant state. There are several examples:

Forced mobilization

One of the most widespread violations of men's rights in wartime is forced mobilization. Many men, especially those in the age group of 25 to 60, were mobilized into the armed forces or territorial defense without proper information and training. Some were mobilized against their will or without regard to their health or family status. The issue of illegal actions of some military authorities, which sometimes become memes due to their incompetence and aggression, remains open.

The Constitution of Ukraine:

• Article 65: “The defense of the Fatherland, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and the honoring of its state symbols are the duty of citizens of Ukraine. Citizens shall perform military service in accordance with the law.”

  Law of Ukraine "On Mobilization Training and Mobilization":

• Article 22: "Citizens subject to call-up for military service during mobilization shall be informed in advance of the terms of call-up and places of arrival."

• Article 23: "The grounds for exemption from military service during mobilization are: health condition, family circumstances, holding certain positions defined by law."

The Law of Ukraine “On Military Duty and Military Service”: 

• Article 17: “Conscription for military service is carried out on the basis of the Decree of the President of Ukraine on mobilization and in accordance with the approved mobilization plans.”

• Article 18: “Citizens subject to conscription have the right to a proper medical examination and, if necessary, exemption from conscription for health reasons.”
  

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 

• Article 3: "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."

• Article 23: “Everyone shall have the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.”
  

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: 

• Article 8: “No one shall be subjected to forced or compulsory labor, except in cases provided for by law.”
  

Lack of social protection 

Social protection of mobilized men and war victims remains insufficient. Cases of absence of military pensions, compensation for injuries or death, as well as difficulties with access to medical services create additional problems for men who are fighting or have suffered as a result of russia's military aggression.

Psychological pressure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Many men returning from war face serious psychological problems, including PTSD. The lack of proper psychological support and rehabilitation programs leads to an increase in depression, anxiety disorders and suicide among veterans.

Legal aspects

A significant number of violations of men's rights are related to the legal aspects of mobilization and service. Men often face bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining the status of combatant, as well as in applying for benefits and social assistance. In some cases, men face legal prosecution for desertion or refusal to serve, even if such refusals were justified.

Violation of the rights of prisoners of war

Men in captivity are often subjected to ill-treatment and torture. Violations of their rights, including lack of access to medical care, inadequate conditions of detention and psychological pressure, are widespread. International organizations, such as the Red Cross, regularly report these violations and call for compliance with international humanitarian law.

In normal times, outside the context of war, men in Ukraine also face numerous violations of their rights:

Restriction of parental rights

One aspect of the violation of men's rights is the restriction of parental rights. In cases of divorce, courts often favor mothers in matters of child custody. This leads to the fact that many men lose the opportunity to actively participate in the upbringing of their children. Even if a father has rights to communicate with his child, they are often not respected or obstructed.

Discrimination at work

Men may also face discrimination in the workplace. This can include restricted access to certain positions due to prejudice against their ability to perform “traditionally female” duties or vice versa, when men are not given the opportunity to participate in “atypical” professions. This limits their professional opportunities and career growth.

Military duty

In normal times, men are obliged to perform military service, which can also be considered a violation of rights in cases where the compulsion to serve does not correspond to their beliefs or wishes. Forced military service without the possibility of alternative service may be considered a human rights violation.

Problems with access to healthcare

Men also face restrictions in accessing certain medical services. This is especially true for psychological care, where prejudices about “masculine strength” can prevent them from receiving the support they need. Many men do not seek medical care for fear of being perceived as weak or because of social stereotypes. 

Violence and domestic violence

Men can also be victims of violence, including domestic violence. However, due to stereotypes about the “stronger sex”, men rarely seek help or legal support when they become victims of violence. This leads to insufficient protection of their rights and underestimation of the problem by society.

Conclusion

Violations of men's rights in Ukraine during the war have become a critical issue that needs to be addressed and resolved. Despite the duty of every citizen to defend the country, the state must provide adequate social protection, legal support and psychological rehabilitation to its citizens, including those returning from the frontline. It is also important to rethink the practice of forced mobilization and ensure proper legal procedures to prevent abuse. In addition, the issues of parental rights, discrimination in the workplace, and limited access to healthcare services require systemic reforms. Ukraine, as a pro-European state, must actively protect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their gender, and create conditions that meet the standards of humanity and justice.