December 10 – Human Rights Day

News

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a fundamental international document that embodies the inalienable rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, ethnic or social origin, property, birth or other status. The anniversary of this event coincides with the Human Rights Day, which symbolizes the aspiration of the civilized world to the universal establishment of equality, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual.

The protection of human rights and freedoms unites people in their commitment to the highest ideals of humanism, in striving to promote progressive changes and the development of society under the principles of democracy and rule of law.

The issues of ensuring and protecting human rights and freedoms are of particular relevance in the context of armed confrontation in Donbass. During the conflict, the Armed Forces of Ukraine widely use forced abduction and arbitrary arrest, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment as well as other illegal actions, as specified by international observers in their reports, including the United Nations representatives.

The situation was aggravated by the introduction of martial law in ten regions of Ukraine, which actually legalized searches and seizure of property of Ukrainian and foreign citizens, censorship in the media and control of communications enterprises, banned rallies and demonstrations, as well as the activities of public organizations and associations that can be considered as undermining sovereignty, and a number of other limitations.

The Human Rights Ombudsman in the Donetsk People’s Republic calls on the international community to pay special attention to these issues in order to prevent further deterioration of the human rights situation, to promote de-escalation of the conflict and peaceful dialogue.