Parliament adopts law on social guarantees for families of fallen and missing police officers

The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a law regulating the specifics of social protection for family members of police officers who were killed in the line of duty or who have been declared missing or missing under special circumstances by a court.

As reported by a Ukrinform correspondent, legislative initiative No. 13649 was supported by 268 Members of Parliament.

The purpose of the law is to ensure the effective practical implementation of the provisions of the Law “On the National Police” concerning the social protection of families of police officers who were killed or went missing while performing their service duties.

Under the law, family members of such police officers, provided they hold a certificate confirming the relevant status, will be entitled to benefits, guarantees, and compensation stipulated by law.

In particular, the spouse and children under the age of 18, or up to the age of 23 if they are studying at higher education institutions, are guaranteed the right to free medical care at healthcare facilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In addition, the law provides for admission to educational institutions in Ukraine without competition, with tuition covered by the state and local budgets, as well as guarantees the right to free sanatorium and resort treatment.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko noted that the bill was developed by the ministry in cooperation with the National Police and the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement “to restore justice and guarantee the necessary assistance to families.”

“Risk and service are a daily reality for police officers in combat zones. Therefore, support for their families must be clear and guaranteed. Today’s decision is precisely about that,” he emphasized.

As reported by Ukrinform, in September, the Ministry of Defense updated the procedure for payments to families of fallen service members.