The current week is marked by high level of tension in military-political sphere in Donbass. As a result of the criminal actions of the AFU, the entire territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic is under massive fire. However, the People’s Militia of the DPR successfully confronts the Ukrainian militants. Thus, since the beginning of the special operation, which was announced on February 24 by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the servicemen of the Republic managed to liberate 36 settlements of the DPR, which are under the control of Ukraine, and which, according to the Decree of the Head of the DPR No. 45 of 03.03.2022 are included in the zone of responsibility of districts of the Donetsk People’s Republic. This step will allow realizing the rights of citizens who have suffered as a result of the armed conflict in Donbass.
The city of Mariupol is on the edge of a humanitarian catastrophe, the inhabitants of which are used by the Ukrainian security forces as a “human shield” during the fighting with the military personnel of the Republic. Thus, on March 3, in order to ensure security and reduce risks for civilians in Mariupol during the liberation of the settlement, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, together with units of the People’s Militia of the DPR, are organizing a humanitarian corridor, as reported by the Head of the DPR Denis Pushilin.
In the context of the escalation of the conflict in Donbass, on February 28, 2022, Decree No. 41 of the Head of the DPR Denis Pushilin was issued on certain issues of regulating labour and social relations. According to the document, state and municipal authorities, entrepreneurs of all forms of ownership are required to keep jobs and salaries within the monthly wage fund for those called up for military service during general mobilization and for those evacuated to the Russian Federation.
Extremely significant at this stage is the work with the civilian population of the liberated settlements of the DPR, which is carried out by state bodies of the Republic. Thus, on March 2, DPR Ombudsman Daria Morozova visited the liberated Nikolayevka. During the trip, the main human rights defender of the Republic talked with local residents, found out the current needs of the population, the main humanitarian problems, and also handed over basic assistance.
The development of the humanitarian sphere of the DPR is one of the priorities, taking into account the ongoing hostilities. Thus, on March 4, 2022, the Commissioners for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, the DPR and the LPR signed Agreements of Mutual Understanding. This event symbolizes the strengthening of ties between neighbouring states, for which the life of their citizens is the highest value and priority in their work. As part of the first working meeting, the Ombudsmen visited temporary accommodation centres in the Rostov region of Russia, where citizens evacuated from the Donbass Republics at the end of February of this year live. Human rights defenders also carried out a joint reception of citizens and got acquainted with the conditions of their accommodation. During a working visit to the Russian Federation, a meeting of the Human Rights Ombudsmen in the Republics of Donbass with the Governor of the Rostov Region took place.
The current epidemiological situation in the Republic shows a downward trend in the incidence of COVID-19. According to the Ministry of Health of the DPR, to date, 160,564 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in the country. 26,748 patients are in treatment, 9,797 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 992 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.
2. Register of the prisoners of war, missing soldiers and 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.
