The most valuable and vulnerable category of citizens in each state all over the world is children. The priority is in their security and untouchability, as much as healthy, happy and educated young generation is the key to success and prosperity of a state. That’s why the world pays so much attention to the problems of the children’s rights protection.
In this regard, three events, connected with the issue of the children’s rights protection were held this week in the Republic.
On 1 June the Donetsk People’s Republic celebrated the International Children’s Day. This date is celebrated with the aim to draw attention of adults to implement children’s rights to life, to freedom of expression, to education and to protection from violence. The Convention on the rights of the child, adopted in 1959, clearly points to the obligation of both parents and state to recognize and observe the children’s rights and freedoms. This is of particular relevance for states, in which population suffers from long-term armed conflicts such is in the DPR. However, despite the difficult politico-military situation in the Republic, the authorities make an effort to improve living standards of small citizens. Thus, in the speech, which is dedicated to the International Children’s Day, the DPR Ombudsman Daria Morozova declared:
“Today, in spite of the difficult situation as a result of the long armed conflict, small citizens in the DPR live fully, win prizes in prestige scientific and creative contests, international Olympiads and athletic competitions. We are proud of our young generation! I’m sure, many more achievements and successes await our children.”
Unfortunately, for years of the armed conflict in the territory of the Republic it was not without victims among children. Thus, for the period of conflict as a consequence of shelling by the Armed Forced of Ukraine 81 children died. In this regard, the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrated annually on 4 June is of particular relevance for citizens of the DPR. This date was established in honor of persons, who were died at a young age.
The modern world, despite the progress, hasn’t become more secure for children yet. Many aspects of accepting decisions aren’t still fully meeting the special requirements and necessity of a child. That’s why the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is not so much the date as the symbol, denoting the importance of every ruined young life.
On 1 June, on the action in memory “Angel”, citizens of the Republic were able to honor the memory of dead children. Thousands of flashlights and balloons with attached angels were launched into the sky. This year citizens of the 13 foreigner cities joined to the action: Paris, Reims, Berlin, Rome, Verona, Turin, Messina, Athens, Novy Sad, Riga, Dendermonde, Bratislava, Nashville.
It is necessary to remember, that a child’s life should never know what war is. The task of each state and person is to make children’s life and rights safer, happier and indestructible.
Since the beginning of 2020, the Ombudsman received 2,218 complaints.
All received complaints can be divided into nine categories: personal rights – 816 complaints, economic rights – 83 complaints, social rights – 309 complaints; guarantees of human rights in civil, administrative and criminal proceedings – 218 complaints; enforcement of human rights in penitentiary institutions – 56 complaints; enforcement of rights in the field of education – 4 complaints; enforcement of rights in the field of healthcare – 58 complaints; enforcement of rights of mothers, children and families – 19 complaints, issues connected with the political and military situation in DPR – 655 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 29 May and 5 June 2020 one DPR serviceman sustained injures as a result of the armed actions.
On 29 May a civil man, born in 1968, sustained a bullet wound as a result of sniper attack Gorlovka by forces of Ukrainian armed groups.
Within the period between 1 January and 5 June 2020, 62 people, including 36 DPR servicemen and 26 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 29 May and 5 June 2020, in the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic 1 DPR serviceman died.
Within the period between 1 January and 5 June 2020, 21 DPR servicemen and 4 civilians died as a result of armed aggression by Ukraine.
To be specific, since the beginning of the armed conflict 4,921 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 5th June 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 5 June 2020 465 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. 63 social housing objects have been opened in the territory of DPR. 53 of them operate, 10 of them are held in reserve. Since the beginning of the conflict, 7056 people, including 1606 children have been registered as persons affected as a result of the conflict. Currently, 2136 people live in social housing objects of the Donetsk People’s Republic, including 383 underage children, 4920 people live in the housing fund, including 1223 children.
