The International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was established by the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, which was adopted in 2016. In the relevant UN resolution, noting the serious long-term consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, it indicates the need to support international cooperation aimed at achieving sustainable development goals in the affected areas.
Residents of Donbass – miners, builders, doctors, military personnel and representatives of a number of other professions – along with specialists from all over the country, actively participated in the elimination of the disaster. This day is a symbol of eternal memory of the heroic deed and interethnic unity, rallying people in combating this common threat and the great debt that future generations owe to their predecessors.
Those who seized power in Ukraine as a result of the 2014 coup d’état, demonstrated a blatant disregard for the feat of the liquidators through political decisions and actions. In particular, this affected people who live in the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic in the context of the ongoing military confrontation and socio-economic blockade. Discrimination, injustice and violation of human and civil rights characterize the policy of the Ukrainian authorities.
Thus, official Kiev still blocks the issue of the resumption of social payments guaranteed by law, which is provided for in paragraph 8 of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements. More and more restrictions and obstacles are being introduced to reduce the number of beneficiaries of state support. Moreover, budget funds and benefits are being reduced for those who have paid a high price for eliminating the consequences of the largest technological disaster in the history of mankind.
In contrast, consistent policy is being implemented in the Donetsk People’s Republic aimed at supporting people of this category, as well as those affected by the Chernobyl disaster. With the development of the legal framework, social protection guarantees are expanding. Even now, material assistance, benefits for housing and communal services and medical care are already available. Moreover, within the framework of the Humanitarian Program for the Reunification of Donbass, citizens living in the territory temporarily under the control of Ukraine are provided with specialized medical assistance and other types of support in the Donetsk People’s Republic.
The Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People’s Republic expresses sincere gratitude to all those who, at the cost of their life and health, prevented the spread of radioactive contamination. Your heroic feat is worthy of the highest respect, and it cannot be forgotten!
