This week in the Republic was marked by several significant occasions.
The threat of spreading the coronavirus COVID-19 in the DPR is still at a high level. To this day in the Republic 339 registered and confirmed cases with the COVID-19 are fixed. 250 patients are in treatment, 80 persons are discharged from hospitals, and 9 cases are fatal. However, in spite of all difficulties, the situation is under the control by the DPR competent authorities, which is taking all necessary measures to minimize the consequences of the pandemic.
In addition, in such difficult time the Republic gives support to the friendly countries. Thus, the transferring of humanitarian aid for South Ossetia, which is in a critical situation as a result of the pandemic. The specified aid comprises personal protective equipments, including filter half-masks, disinfectants and medications. All products in the humanitarian aid are made in the DPR.
However, unfortunately, not all states agree with the statement, that the common grief is the reason to delay divisiveness and work together.
Since the beginning of May the Armed Forces of Ukraine 250 times prohibited the ceasefire, therefore 1 civilian man die, 11 civilians sustained injures. The authorities of the Republic alerted the systems of the state and military governance for functioning in the conditions of the aggravation of the armed provision in connection with the escalation of the situation on the line of contact, caused by the revitalization of armed actions by Ukraine.
The Head of the DPR Denis Pushilin declared:
“The DPR is ready to a constructive dialogue with Kyiv, but the Republic won’t indefinitely remain peacefulness unilaterally. According to my statements, divisions of the People’s Militsiya are already on high alert and ready to implement tasks on military destination. Thus, the Republic is ready to respond adequately to any aggressive actions by the Ukrainian side”.
On this background, the anniversary of the presidency of Vladimir Zelensky is significant, whose results of the governing were summarized on 20 May. Zelensky came to power with the great support by Ukrainian people, positioned himself as a “President of peace”. Nevertheless, after the end of the year of his presidency, the situation on the Contact Line is still tense. The Minsk process is still sabotaged by the official representatives of Ukraine, which leads to the delaying of the negotiations on the settlement of the conflict. Also, cases of illegal detentions and occasions with the tortures on supporters of the Republic by the SSU continue to be recorded.
Unfortunately, despite the great expectations of productive actions from the new Ukrainian authority, represented by Vladimir Zelensky, it can be stated that the president of Ukraine continues the policy of his forerunner, i.e. the policy of violence, aggression and war. However, in spite of everything we carefully look forward to the promised peace, dialogue and equality.
It should be reminded, that the DPR Ombudsmen’s Office continues work in normal mode with the exception of a public reception. Citizens can send complaints at the address: Pushkin Boulevard, 34, 5th floor, office 540.
Donets, the DPR, 83105; or in an e-mail to: [email protected]
“Hot line” telephones also work:
+38 071-301-73-52 – on general issues;
+38 071-404-69-29 – on issues of missing people as a result of the armed conflict.
The Ombudsman continues attentively explore and monitor current situation in the Republic, also calls citizens for being careful and follow the essential sanitary-epidemiological norms.
Since the beginning of 2020, the Ombudsman received 2,007 complaints.
All received complaints can be divided into nine categories: personal rights – 701 complaints, economic rights – 77 complaints, social rights – 275 complaints; guarantees of human rights in civil, administrative and criminal proceedings – 211 complaints; enforcement of human rights in penitentiary institutions – 51 complaints; enforcement of rights in the field of education – 3 complaints; enforcement of rights in the field of healthcare – 52 complaints; enforcement of rights of mothers, children and families – 17 complaints, issues connected with the political and military situation in DPR – 620 complaints.
- Death toll, injuries to civilians and soldiers as a result of hostilities in the territory of the Donetsk People`s Republic
The DPR Ombudsman’s Office documents cases of violations of Donbas citizens’ rights by the Ukrainian side, including the right to life, personal integrity and freedom of movement.
Within the period between 16 and 22 May one civilian woman, born in 1961, sustained injures as a result of armed actions.
Within the period between 1 January and 22 May 2020, 58 people, including 33 DPR servicemen and 25 civilians (including 6 children and 7 women) sustained injuries and traumas of varying severities as a result of armed aggression by Ukraine.
Within the period between 16 and 22 May 2020, in the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic 1 DPR serviceman died.
Within the period between 1 January and 22 May 2020, 20 DPR servicemen and 4 civilians died as a result of armed aggression by Ukraine.
To be specific, since the beginning of the armed conflict 4,920 people died, including 81 children.
Officially confirmed information on individuals, who have been wounded since the beginning of the conflict continues to be reported to the Ombudsman’s Office in the DPR.
- Register of the prisoners of war, missing soldiers andcivilians
During the reporting period the DPR Ombudsman’s Office received no statements of detention.
Based on the updated figures as of 22th May 2020, there are 115 people detained by the Ukrainian side. However, official representatives of Kiev declare that they either do not provide information about these people, or clarify information about them.
On 22 May 2020 468 people are considered missing. They could have been taken prisoner in Ukraine.
- Register of displaced persons and affected citizens
At the time of armed conflict, the civilian population living in the zone of fighting and near the contact line is often affected. With the view to protect the human right to life and security of the person, and to provide assistance to victims as a result of armed aggression by Ukraine, social housing objects (dormitories, preventative clinics, health care centers).
With the coming into force of the Order of the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic No. 137 of 24.04.2018, Territorial commissions in cities and districts are now responsible for accommodating affected civilians. They work under supervision of the Republican Commission on Resettlement of Affected Persons chaired by the DPR Human Rights Ombudsman.
There are currently 911 accommodation places in the Donetsk People’s Republic available for citizens of this category. 64 social housing objects have been opened in the territory of DPR. 54 of them operate, 10 of them are held in reserve. Since the beginning of the conflict, 7044 people, including 1608 children have been registered as persons affected as a result of the conflict. Currently, 2154 people live in social housing objects of the Donetsk People’s Republic, including 392 underage children, 4890 people live in the housing fund, including 1216 children.
