The current week in the Republic was marked by an extremely high level of military-political tension. Thus, on February 18, the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic announced the start of a mass centralized evacuation of the population to the Russian Federation. This step was taken in order to save the lives of the citizens of the Republic and ensure their safety.
In the context of the escalation of military aggression from Ukraine on the territory of Donbass, a significant event was the signing on February 21 of the decree by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin on the recognition of the independence of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic. Also, treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance were concluded with each of the Republics. “This is much more than help and support, it is the adoption of key decisions that give confidence in the peaceful future of the strong Russian Donbass,” said the Head of the DPR Denis Pushilin.
On February 22, an agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations at the level of embassies through the exchange of notes between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People’s Republic was drawn up. This step indicates a fundamentally new way of development for our young state.
After the recognition of the Donbass Republics by Russia, the Ukrainian armed formations intensified shelling, as a result of which, on February 24, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin made a decision to start a special operation in Donbass in order to protect the civilian population from the aggression of Ukraine. However, despite this, the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to inflict indiscriminate strikes on residential areas of the Republic.
The epidemiological situation also remains tense. According to the Ministry of Health of the DPR, 155,601 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in the country. 28,264 patients are in treatment, 9,705 cases are fatal. The Ombudsman calls on residents to remain vigilant and comply with the necessary sanitary and epidemiological standards. For personal safety, citizens are encouraged to sign up on the Ministry of Health website to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Since the beginning of 2022, the Ombudsman received 712 complaints.
- 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.
- Register of the prisoners of war, missing soldiersand civilians
- 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.
