The overview of the current social and humanitarian situation in the territory of the Donetsk People`s Republic as a result of hostilities in the period from 16 to 22 April 2022

News Overview of the social and humanitarian situation

This week the military situation in the Republic remains tense, Thus, on April 20, the AFU shelled Shakhtyorsk, as a result of which a 6-year-old child died and civilians were wounded. However, despite all attempts by Kyiv to destabilize the situation in the Republic, the special operation on the liberation of Donbass is gaining momentum. So, on April 21, the liberation of Mariupol was announced. Also, as of April 22, 2022, 167 settlements are already under the control of the DPR.

Unfortunately, as a result of the actions of the AFU, a significant part of the children lost relatives and loved ones. In this regard, the humanitarian project on guardianship of children from the DPR and LPR, which is being implemented in the Moscow Region, is extremely relevant. It involves searching for relatives in the bases of the Russian Federation and the ICRC. If relatives are not found, the regional authorities are considering the possibility of transferring children under temporary guardianship to foster families, and in the future, adoption of children.

Another event contributing to the improvement of the social and humanitarian situation in the Republic was the aid from the All-Russian People’s Front (ONF) and the Russian Boxing Federation. The cargo included kits and food products – cereals, canned food, pasta, butter, sugar, tea, water, and personal hygiene items, as well as basic necessities. The total weight of the cargo exceeded 400 tons.

Complex water purification stations and vehicles for its delivery were also delivered. These stations have already been installed at three water sources in Donetsk and one in Makeyevka.

The important point in this vein is the adoption of a resolution by the DPR State Defence Committee, according to which unused agricultural plots will be transferred to the residents of the DPR free of charge for the period of the military operation, taking into account the completion of field work.

It is assumed that for a family of four or more people, the size of the plot is 0.08 hectares, for a family of three or less people – 0.06 hectares. Any construction or planting of perennial crops is prohibited on the plots.

In order to receive a plot, residents must send a notification to the local administration. The term for consideration of the document is 5 days. Disputes over the use of plots are also considered by local administrations, their decisions can be appealed in court.

Also, the Communiqué signed this week on mutual cooperation between the largest region of Russia, the Republic of Sakha and the Donetsk People’s Republic plays an important role in the accelerated economic recovery of the Republic. According to the decree document, the DPR and Yakutia are interested in expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical and humanitarian spheres.

The cultural sphere of the Republic continues its active development. Thus, the Donetsk Art Museum “Art-Donbass” has signed two cooperation agreements with the museums of the Bryansk region. Within the framework of these agreements, various kinds of humanitarian support for cultural and educational projects are provided, among other things.

In this vein, the memorialization of prominent figures of Donbass remains important, a striking example of which is the commemorative plaque established on April 21, which is dedicated to the oncologist surgeon Grigory Bondar. An academic oncologist, he is known for developing advanced treatments. Author of over 800 scientific publications and over 250 patented inventions. The Republic is rightfully proud of such people.

Unfortunately, the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is still relevant. According to the Ministry of Health of the DPR, to date, 170,444 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in the country. 16940 patients are in treatment, 10131 cases are fatal.

 

Since the beginning of 2022, the Ombudsman received 6723 complaints.

 

  1. Death toll and 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.

 

  1. Register of the prisoners of war, missing soldiersand civilians

 

  1. 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, there social facilities (dormitories, preventative clinics, health care centres).

In accordance with 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 the supervision of the Republican Commission on Resettlement of Affected Persons chaired by the DPR Human Rights Ombudsman.