Ukraine: UN human rights expert to assess the situation of internally displaced persons

GENEVA (10 September 2014) – The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, will conduct his first official visit to Ukraine from 16 to 25 September 2014 at the invitation of the Government, to gather first-hand information from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country.

“Ongoing developments in Ukraine make an assessment of the internal displacement situation on the ground critical,” the Special Rapporteur said. “In my capacity as an independent expert, this visit represents a timely opportunity for me to engage in dialogue with all relevant parties,” he added.

“I intend to consult widely with IDPs themselves to listen to their concerns,” said Mr. Beyani. “I will look at current challenges with regard to their protection and assistance, and discuss opportunities for durable solutions for IDPs in Ukraine,” he added.

Mr. Beyani will meet with representatives from the Government, UN partners and civil society, among others. He will visit Kyiv and other sites hosting large numbers of IDPs. Mr. Beyani will present his preliminary observations at a press conference in Kyiv on 25 September 2014 from 11 to 12 am, at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center. His full report will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2015.

ENDS

Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons by the Human Rights Council in September 2010. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity.

Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons
The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons/international-standards
UN Human Rights, Country Page – Ukraine: http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/ukraine

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Kyiv (during the visit): Ms. Victoria Andrievska +38 050 413 8404, e-mail: victoria.andrievska@unic.org
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org

UN Human Rights, follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitednationshumanrights
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UNrightswire
Google+ gplus.to/unitednationshumanrights
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/UNOHCHR
Storify: http://storify.com/UNrightswire