Human Rights Council hears oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Ukraine

MORNING

29 September 2015

Concludes General Debate on Racism and Racial Discrimination

The Human Rights Council this morning heard an oral update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Ukraine, followed by an interactive dialogue. At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance.

Presenting the oral update, Ivan Šimonović, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, noted that since the outbreak of hostilities in eastern Ukraine in mid-April 2014, at least 8,050 people had been killed, and more than 1.5 million people displaced. Despite the absence of the rule of law, a more organized leadership in the self-proclaimed “Donetsk people’s republic” and “Luhansk people’s republic” had begun bringing normalcy to life. The active fighting in the country was replaced with the politicization and instrumentalization of humanitarian assistance by both sides as a new tool of warfare. Little progress had been made on the issue of the release of detainees; journalists, bloggers, pro-Ukrainian activists and human rights defenders also continued to be persecuted, threatened and intimidated for openly expressing critical views of the events unfolding in the region or reporting about them. It was of the utmost importance that the Package of Measures to Implement the Minsk Agreements was fully implemented, and to make the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons a reality, to bring an end to hostilities, to ease the hardship that continued to be suffered by many civilians in the conflict area, and in particular to prevent civilian casualties.

Ukraine spoke as the concerned country, saying that the flow of heavy weaponry and foreign fighters from Russia into the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions controlled by illegal armed groups continued. Ukraine called on Member States to increase pressure on Russia to immediately release all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens, and said that a full-scale information war and propaganda campaign had become a particular form of continuing Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine.

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, speakers expressed deep concern about serious human rights violations and abuses which continued in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by so-called separatists, and stressed that the involvement of impartial international institutions like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provided valuable guidance to the parties to the conflict and to the international community in the efforts to end the violence and resolve the conflict. Delegations were very concerned about the growing humanitarian impact of the ongoing crisis on the civilian population, particularly in light of the upcoming winter, and urged the de facto authorities in Luhansk and Donetsk to allow and facilitate unimpeded and rapid humanitarian access and to ensure the immediate resumption of activities by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations. It was essential to put an end to violence and ensure justice for all, so all parties should respect their commitments under the Minsk Agreements, respect the ceasefire and withdraw heavy weapons. Speakers expressed grave concern about the lack of accountability and impunity for human rights violations including torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, and reiterated firm support for the continuation of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, whose mandate should continue to include the occupied areas in eastern Ukraine and Crimea that had been illegally annexed by Russia.

Taking the floor in the discussion were: the European Union, Norway, Georgia, Austria, Russia, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Republic of Moldova, Belgium United Nations Children Fund, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, Canada, Estonia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, Lithuania, Slovakia, United States, Bulgaria, Council of Europe, Latvia, Romania, Switzerland, Denmark, China, Albania, and Australia.

The non-governmental organizations that spoke were: Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, Human Rights Watch, Advocates for Human Rights, Human Rights House Foundation, and International Catholic Child Bureau.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its general debate on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance which it started on 28 September, and the summary of discussion is available here.

Speakers in the general debate said that the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance constituted one of the Council’s priority areas, and called for the strengthening of efforts to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. They expressed concern about the rise of racial discrimination and xenophobia in Europe, including in the context of the current refugee and migrant crisis, and about many acts of discrimination against Muslims and the rise of Islamophobia.

Speaking were Global Network for Rights and Development, Advocates for Human Rights, Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development, World Muslim Congress, Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, Liberation, Africa Speaks, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, International Humanist and Ethical Union, International Lawyers’ Association, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik, Africa Culture International, Prahar, National Union of Jurists of Cuba, and Cuban Association of the United Nations.

Estonia spoke in right of reply.

The Human Rights Council is holding a full day of meetings today. At noon, the Council will hear the presentation of the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his study on the impact of technical assistance and capacity building on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue.

General Debate on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance

Global Network for Rights and Development noted that the fight against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia constituted one of the Council’s priority areas. It warned against the rise of racial discrimination and xenophobia in Europe, and called on the Council to consider creating a Working Group to give that issue a multifaceted consideration.

Advocates for Human Rights welcomed the call of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent for reconnecting the diaspora with the African continent. They played a critical role in changing the continent. Advocates for Human Rights worked closely with persons of African descent in order to empower those communities to become more powerful advocates for human rights.

Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development called for the strengthening of efforts to implement the Durban Declaration. It drew attention to unjust sanctions imposed by the United States on other countries, such as Sudan. The massive disruptions caused by the sanctions had a terrible impact on innocent Sudanese: children, elderly, women and youth who were trapped in political games played by world powers.

World Muslim Congress raised concern about discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities in India. Hindu nationalist and radical leaders incited open hate speech against minorities in order to consolidate communal polarization of the society along religious lines. Hindu fundamentalism and expressions of religious hatred had infiltrated not only politics but also educational institutions.

Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture said Yemen had been facing racial and religious discrimination since the Saudi regime had gotten involved and started the campaign of attacks in March. Yesterday, 150 persons had been killed, including a wedding party. Still, there were parties which opposed setting up an international Commission of Inquiry, because they knew they were the ones to be accused of crimes.

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that over the past five years, close to 90 per cent of the victims of terrorist attacks by IS had been Muslims. While crimes were being committed under the name of Islam, Muslims were the ones who died brutal deaths. The international community should immediately end human rights violations and resolve the grievous situation of Syria and Iraq, save the refugees and take action against hate speech and propaganda against all ethnic groups.

Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association said that despite the remarkable Durban Declaration, some countries continued to experience genocide which reflected social divisions. In north India, there was discrimination and violence against any person who was ethnically different, while caste-motivated killings, rapes and other abuses were a daily occurrence.

Liberation said that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action was one of the most commendable declarations and warned that racism was still implanted in the legal system in conformity with colonial law in some countries. In India, the colonial era Armed Forces Special Powers Act had been imposed on certain races to control their self-determination movement.

Africa Speaks stated that international law obliged States to ensure fundamental rights to everyone without any discrimination and distinction of any kind. Regrettably, the world was continuously witnessing disgraceful acts that were contrary to those human rights obligations. Individuals fleeing their country due to persecution were received with a traumatizing and shocking attitude. Openly racist, anti-immigrant and Islamophobic groups were on the rise.

International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination warned of the plague of discrimination in Europe, in the context of the current refugee and migrant crisis. Refugees and migrants from the Middle East were discriminated against in employment and portrayed as those who stole jobs. In the light of the European Union’s refugee quota, the European Union had to ensure that these refugees would not face discrimination because their rights had already been severely violated in their home countries.

International Humanist and Ethical Union drew attention to many acts of discrimination against Muslims, noting that it could be seen quite visibly in most of Europe, but also across Asia and the Middle East. Confusing hate crimes against Muslims with criticism of Islamic regimes or misogynist practices in the name of Islam did not help challenge racism. It urged for the emphasis to be on individual rights regardless of belief.

International-Lawyers.Org voiced concern over the limited participation of civil society in the discussion of the Working Group. There were some problems during the last session of the Working Group, and the Association voiced hope that the Council would address the participation issue. It was troubled that the funds for the Working Group were not spent as initially planned.

Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik noted that in the case of asylum seekers, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance obtained different interpretations. Tens of thousands of Afghan immigrants in Iran moved along with immigrant streams towards Europe because of their poor conditions in their home country. In Iran they were confronted with xenophobia and anti-Afghan sentiment. Sudwind urged the Iranian Government to ensure their rights.

Africa Culture Internationale condemned any act of violence and xenophobia in any part of the world and believed that, with the help of this Council, the world would one day be free from xenophobia. The Council should impress upon South Sudan, South Africa and the Central African Republic, which were not acting effectively against violence related to intolerance, to act responsibly so that recurrence was avoided.

Prahar said that racism and racial discrimination continued to be present in several parts of the world, and in some countries it was even included in the constitution and laws of the country, including in India. The caste-based system predetermined prospects in life by where one was born, and might be at the base of discrimination in the country.

National Union of Jurists of Cuba was very sensitive to equality and legal security and was concerned about racist violence in several countries, including in the United States. American citizens of African descent suffered at the hands of white citizens and the police and the United States should establish a national dialogue on racial discrimination.

Cuban United Nations Association expressed concern about the use of excessive force by the police in many cities of the United States without any effective measures being taken to end impunity against perpetrators. This showed that the Afro-descendant population in the United States was still in a disadvantaged situation and did not enjoy full constitutional protection. The United States should adopt legislative measures to address racism and racial discrimination in any form.

Right of Reply

Estonia, speaking in a right of reply in response to the statement made by the Russian Federation about citizenship in Estonia, said it was not true that citizenship was granted on the basis of ethnicity. The rules were the same for all regardless of ethnicity. It was also not true that non-citizens were not granted the same rights as citizens. Estonia was one of the few countries in the world where all legal residents, regardless of their citizenship, had the right to vote in local government elections.

Oral Update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine

IVAN ŠIMONOVIĆ, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, noted that at least 8,050 people had been killed since the outbreak of hostilities in eastern Ukraine in mid-April 2014. That figure included Ukrainian forces, civilians and members of the armed groups, and it was a conservative estimate by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The actual figure could be considerably higher. More than 1.5 million people had been registered by the Government as internally displaced. The Ukrainian Government’s decision to suspend financing of social services from November 2014 was the major contributor to hardship and humanitarian needs in the areas under the control of armed groups. It was affecting basic economic and social rights. Meanwhile, the armed groups appeared increasingly organized and had taken over government-like functions, including payments to civil servants and the rebuilding of infrastructure, albeit allegedly with external assistance. However, the decision of the self-proclaimed “Donetsk people’s republic” and the “Luhansk people’s republic” to formally introduce the Russian rouble as the official currency had led to a one-third decrease in the real value of pensions and other benefits, exacerbating the already difficult situation of residents. Freedom of movement continued to be problematic, with long queues in and out of the only three Government checkpoints into the areas controlled by armed groups, with people sometimes having to wait overnight. The so-called “logistic centres”, where basic goods and medicines could be purchased at “Ukrainian prices” were controlled by the armed groups and they did not provide for the needs of the population. The relative lull in the fighting provided an ideal setting to introduce to the Government and non-Government counterparts the Human Rights Monitoring Mission’s new methodology on civilian casualty reporting, which envisaged the identification of the cause of death and the direction from which the attack came. It was welcome that Government counterparts for the most part agreed to acknowledge that some human rights violations could have been committed by their forces and volunteer battalions. Despite the absence of the rule of law, a more organized leadership in the self-proclaimed “Donetsk people’s republic” and “Luhansk people’s republic” had begun bringing normalcy to life.

It appeared that active fighting was replaced with the politicization and instrumentalization of humanitarian assistance by both sides as a new tool of warfare. Of the utmost concern was the recent decision of the self-proclaimed “Luhansk people’s republic” to request the departure of all international staff of the United Nations humanitarian entities, as well as international non-governmental organizations. Regrettably, there was little progress on the issue of the release of detainees. Another issue of contention and a potential trigger of instability was the upcoming local elections. It was necessary to resolve the issues of validation of official documents, provision of life-saving medicines, and assistance in demining. As for the situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimean Tatars were the main victims. Journalists, bloggers, pro-Ukrainian activists and human rights defenders also continued to be persecuted, threatened and intimidated for openly expressing critical views of the events unfolding in the region or reporting about them. There have been multiple cases of arbitrary arrests or detentions. It was of the utmost importance that the Package of Measures to Implement the Minsk Agreements was fully implemented, and to make the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons a reality, to bring an end to hostilities, to ease the hardship that continued to be suffered by many civilians in the conflict area, and in particular to prevent civilian casualties, Mr. Šimonović concluded.

Statement by the Concerned Country

Ukraine, speaking as the concerned country, said that the promotion and protection of human rights was a foundation for a large-scale reform programme launched in 2014, and Ukraine had already taken bold steps to start anti-corruption reform, beginning with decentralization and de-regulation and securing free access to public information. It was undertaken in the circumstances caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the Russian occupation of a part of Ukraine’s territory. The flow of heavy weaponry and foreign fighters from Russia into the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk controlled by illegal armed groups continued. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had just released a 100 page report with paramount evidence that since the occupation and annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms had deteriorated radically for a large number of residents and displaced persons, with Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars being direct targets. Ukraine called on Member States to increase pressure on Russia to immediately release all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens, and said that a full-scale information war and propaganda campaign had become a particular form of continuing Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine.

Interactive Dialogue on the Oral Update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine

European Union was deeply concerned by serious human rights violations and abuses which continued in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by so-called separatists, and by the illegal detention of Nadiya Savchenko in Russia. The European Union inquired about the main challenges on the ground in terms of aggravating living conditions of civilians living in separatist controlled areas that could be expected during the winter. Norway said that the involvement of impartial international institutions like the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provided valuable guidance to the parties to the conflict and to the international community in the efforts to end the violence and resolve the conflict. Norway asked about steps taken to bring to an end the practice of enforced disappearances. Georgia urged Russia to abide by its international obligations and by the provisions of the Minsk Agreement and stressed the absolute necessity of free access by international actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including in Crimea. Austria was concerned about the growing humanitarian impact of the ongoing crisis on the civilian population and urged the de facto authorities in Luhansk and Donetsk to allow and facilitate unimpeded and rapid humanitarian access and to ensure the immediate resumption of activities by the United Nations and international non-governmental organizations.

Russian Federation noted that in spite of the ceasefire the humanitarian situation and human rights situation in the entire Ukraine remained worrying, including Kiev’s continued economic blockade of the Donbass. Many human rights violations committed by the Ukrainian forces and volunteer battalions had not been investigated, whereas the issue of accountability for the crimes committed in Maidan and in Kiev also remained open. Netherlands expressed concern over the most recent report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, detailing an alarming increase of the impact of the conflict on civilians and documenting serious human rights violations. It called on all sides to ensure respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. It was particularly concerned about the large presence of unexploded mines and the violation of basic freedoms in Crimea. France deplored the loss of life during the conflict in Ukraine, amounting to some 8,000 killed persons, and the human rights violations in Crimea. It called on all parties to respect their commitments under the Minsk Agreements, stressing that the ceasefire had to be respected and heavy weapons withdrawn, and calling for unhindered access for humanitarian organizations. Ireland expressed deep concern over civilian casualties, noting that humanitarian access should be provided to humanitarian entities providing aid. It deplored the decision of the Luhansk authorities to prohibit access to United Nations humanitarian entities, as well as human rights violations in Crimea.

Sweden condemned the recent demand by separatists in eastern Ukraine ordering international humanitarian organizations to leave the area, and was alarmed by reports of human rights violations, including shelling, executions, sexual violence, human trafficking, and the lack of accountability there and in the Crimean Peninsula illegally annexed by the Russian Federation. Germany was deeply worried about the ongoing human rights violations by both sides in areas controlled by separatists in eastern Ukraine, including abuses against prisoners, arbitrary arrests, and especially in view of the coming winter. Germany was also deeply concerned by proceedings against persons opposing the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation. Czech Republic was alarmed by the number of casualties and victims of serious human rights violations and abuses in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, in particular against Tatars and Ukrainian speaking communities. It was also deeply concerned by illegal detention and arbitrary processes in Crimea. Luxembourg called on all parties to fully implement the Minsk Agreement, and was worried that the human rights situation in Crimea had considerably deteriorated since the illegal annexation by the Russian Federation, and political opponents, journalists and Crimean Tatars had been the first victims. Luxembourg was also worried about cases of arbitrary detention and violations of rights to due process both in the Russian Federation and in Ukraine, and encouraged all parties to further combat impunity.

Republic of Moldova stated that it was deeply concerned about the findings of the latest periodic report of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, in particular the increased number of civilian casualties during the past three months. It was alarmed that the armed groups in Luhansk region had groundlessly pushed out and denied access to United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organizations. Belgium regretted the heavy price paid by the civilian population since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine. It was appalled to see that the parties to the conflict had taken few measures to avoid civilian casualties. A credible system of criminal responsibility had to be established, and unconditional and full application of the Minsk Agreements had to be implemented. UNICEF drew attention to the fact that as of 18 September 2015, almost 1.5 million people had been registered as internally displaced from eastern Ukraine, including 186,600 children. Children’s right to health and survival were being challenged by a polio outbreak. Vaccine coverage remained low and had deteriorated. The right to safe drinking water was also in jeopardy. Poland expressed concern over the number of casualties and victims of serious human rights violations and abuses committed in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by anti-Ukrainian forces, supported by the Russian Federation. It also deplored further deterioration of the human rights situation in Crimea, in particular the systematic intimidation and persecution of Crimean Tatars.

Hungary noted the very limited progress achieved in the investigation of human rights violations and said that the delivery of humanitarian aid to the areas under the control of armed groups was still problematic, and the lack of access and the restrictions placed on humanitarian organizations were of particular concern as winter was fast approaching. Turkey remained concerned about the ongoing Human Rights Council and abuses in eastern Ukraine and in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea which was an inalienable part of Ukraine. The rights of minority groups in Crimea, particularly of the Crimean Tatars, were still at stake. Canada fully supported the organization of elections in October and remained worried about the situation in Donbass, where violence by insurgents supported by Russia caused grave human rights violations and a growing humanitarian crisis. Canada urged Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine and respect its commitments under the Minsk Agreements. Estonia reiterated its firm support for the continuation of the monitoring mission and said that its mandate should continue to include the occupied areas in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea that had been illegally annexed by Russia. Estonia was concerned about the continuing persecution and intimidation of the Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of Crimea, and those who opposed the illegal authorities.

United Kingdom welcomed Ukraine’s cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and remained deeply concerned by the human rights violations and the humanitarian situations in eastern Ukraine and illegally annexed Crimea, and the lack of accountability. It was deeply concerned that the de facto forces had ordered international relief organizations to leave the areas, and by the illegal detention of Nadia Savchenko in the Russian Federation. New Zealand remained very concerned about the situation in Ukraine, which had resulted in the displacement of so many Ukrainian people, and called for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and an end to violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It called on all parties to allow, without obstruction, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to undertake its mandate. Spain expressed concern over the extremely serious human rights violations in eastern Ukraine which had led to displacement and a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Spain congratulated the Government of Ukraine for its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and its acceptance of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction. It condemned the decision by the separatists to demand that international humanitarian institutions leave the areas. Lithuania condemned abductions, torture and ill-treatment, as well as the targeting of civilians which had led to a deterioration of the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. It called on the Russian authorities to stop the harassment of Ukrainian nationals, Crimean Tatars and human rights defenders. It recalled its unwavering support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Slovakia shared the recommendation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Monitoring Mission to stop discrimination and harassment against minorities, investigate such cases and provide international human rights missions access to Crimea. It welcomed the adoption of the National Human Rights Strategy by the Ukrainian Government, and offered to share good practices. United States strongly condemned the crimes and human rights abuses committed by the armed groups, predominantly composed of Russians, as well as by the Russian authorities in Crimea against Crimean Tatars. Separatist forces committed brutalities and atrocities to spread fear and insecurity. Bulgaria underlined the need to find a long-lasting solution to the crisis in Ukraine, which could only be resolved on the basis of the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and protection of human rights. It also called for the resumption of much needed humanitarian operations. Council of Europe stated that its experts had actively participated in the work of the Constitutional Commission and in drafting of a bill amending the Constitution concerning local government reform. The aim of the new regulations was to reform the judicial system, with special emphasis on the public prosecution and to bring it in line with the needs of the Ukrainian society and European standards.

Latvia said that the restriction of the access for United Nations humanitarian officials by illegal armed groups operating in eastern Ukraine clearly constituted a violation of international humanitarian law, and would further deteriorate independent reporting on the violations committed in this part of the country. Romania was concerned about the lack of accountability, and about the human rights situation in the breakaway areas where the so-called authorities impeded the action of actors of civil society, and from where people were still running, becoming refugees or internally displaced persons. Switzerland was worried by impunity that seemed to be the rule in the conflict zones and called on all parties to conduct investigations into all cases of human rights violations, including acts of torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial and summary executions, and to punish those responsible. Denmark said that long-term challenges remained in improving the human rights situation in Ukraine, where loss of life, arbitrary detention, lack of due process, and torture were widespread in areas controlled by the Russian-backed separatists. Denmark asked how the ceasefire would improve prospects for pursuing the recommendations put forward by the Monitoring Mission.

China appealed for calm and restraint of all parties and efforts to achieve a political solution. It called for the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine, and encouraged dialogue and negotiations leading to lasting peace and human rights in Ukraine. It opposed bringing geo-political considerations in dialogues on technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights. Albania reiterated its strong support to monitoring human rights missions in Ukraine, and condemned violence against civilians, including Tatars, by the de facto authorities, and condemned indiscriminate shelling. It urged the de facto authorities to allow unhindered humanitarian access to conflict zones. It actively supported a political solution that respected the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and called on all parties to fully implement the Minsk Agreements. Australia called on all parties to fully implement the Minsk Agreements, including allowing full humanitarian access to international agencies. Australia was deeply concerned at the targeting of civilians and human rights violations by all parties. Ukraine had the primary responsibility of protecting the rights of its people, and Australia welcomed its decision to accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, in a video statement, underlined the failure to ensure the functioning of State bodies and institutions in the east of the country, as a result of the conflict there, resulting in practice in the suspension of social payments to those areas. She regretted that attempts to implement ad hoc mechanism of moving detainees from Crimea did not work out, because the Ombudsperson of the Russian Federation refused proposals in this field.

International Association of Democratic Lawyers regretted the unprecedented crackdown on political parties, independent media and other dissenting voices by the Government of Ukraine. It also deplored the alarming spread of ultra-nationalism, xenophobia and hate speeches, which were seriously underestimated, if not ignored. Human Rights Watch welcomed the declaration lodged by Ukraine in September 2015 accepting the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction with respect to alleged crimes committed in its territory since 20 February 2014. The declaration paved the way for the International Criminal Court to formally investigate alleged crimes committed in Ukraine by both sides. Advocates for Human Rights voiced serious concern over reports of escalating gender-based violence resulting from the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Internally displaced persons in Ukraine, most of whom were women, were particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence. There were also reports of an alarming increase in domestic violence perpetrated by returning soldiers. Human Rights House Foundation expressed deep concern over the persistent pattern of arbitrary and incommunicado detention by Ukrainian law enforcement officials, and by military and paramilitary units. It also deplored the persecution of Ukrainian citizens on political grounds in the Russian Federation and in Crimea and called on the Russian Federation to immediately release political detainees.

International Catholic Child Bureau, in a joint statement, addressed the situation of internally displaced families in Ukraine, and the disproportionate number of children among those displaced. The Government should establish a clear internally displaced persons’ monitoring strategy and agenda, data collection, and a comprehensive needs assessment in each displacement location.

Concluding Remarks

IVAN SIMONOVIC, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, in concluding remarks, said it was worrying that humanitarians would not have access to some parts of eastern Ukraine, which would lead to humanitarian aid-free zones ahead of the winter. If humanitarian relief stopped, it would take considerable time to start it again. Not being allowed to provide vaccines, including polio vaccines, would be a crime to the children in eastern Ukraine. With regards to national investigations, Odessa seemed to have undertaken biased investigations that seemed to be targeting only pro-federalists. Requests for investigations would be the real test. When listening to the people, one realised that all wanted an end to the conflict, and that there was no hate among them. This meant that opportunities and possibilities for peace remained. Hindering of humanitarian access to persons in need may constitute a crime against humanity, he said. He then underlined the importance of the Council to remain seized of the question under its agenda item 10 and adopt resolutions on the human rights situation there. He underlined the importance of financial contributions to the work of the United Nations mission to Ukraine. To address impunity, individual States should continue pressing for investigations into alleged violations. Bilateral support and technical cooperation may be helpful for the rule of law and security sector reports. When talking to armed groups leaders, the Assistant-Secretary General recalled to them that they had a responsibility to prevent, investigate and punish international law violations by members of their troops. He said demining was a priority, and called on all sides to share their mining fields plans and help international efforts to undergo demining.

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