YouSaid · the spoken record

Simonovie

lines on the record: 206
first: 1997-12-19
most recent: 2019-10-28
sittings or episodes: 19
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We support the right of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons to a safe, voluntary and dignified return. Conditions defined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees need to be put in place and robustly monitored. Finally, we are pleased to report that since March, when the third Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region was held, where pledges reached a total of â‚¬8.3 billion for 2019 and beyond, two-thirds of those funds were pledged by the EU and its member States, of which 92% have already been committed.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, we will remain at the forefront of international efforts to promote accountability and justice and to combat impunity as part of any future process of national reconciliation in Syria, and we reiterate our support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. We reiterate the EU call to have the situation in Syria referred to the appropriate justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. The EU strengthened its sanctions against the Syrian regime earlier this year and will continue to consider further restrictive measures as long as the repression continues.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“We will maintain our strong support for the United Nations-led process in Geneva and continue to support the United Nations Special Envoy's efforts to revive the political process and assist in the establishment of a balanced and inclusive Constitutional Committee to pave the way for free and fair elections in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015); to support Syrian civil society, including women and their equitable and meaningful engagement in the political process; to identify confidence-building measures between parties to the conflict, including on the issue of detainees and missing persons; and to maintain an international dialogue on Syria.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“The situation in north-western Syria, where violence and civilian displacement persist, also remains of great concern. The presence of United Nations-listed terrorist groups in the area contributes to the suffering of civilians, yet fighting terrorist groups cannot be used by the regime and its allies as a reason to justify violations of international humanitarian law. The EU continues to call on Russia and Turkey to restore the ceasefire in Idlib upon which they agreed under the Sochi memorandum. As we have always said, there can be no military solution to the Syrian crisis.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Extrajudicial killings have been reported, and they need to be investigated thoroughly in order to establish accountability. The Turkish incursion has significantly undermined the progress achieved so far by the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the latter which remains a threat to European, regional and international security. It has also made the prospects for the United Nations- facilitated political process to achieve peace in Syria far more difficult. The continued efforts of the international community, including in the Security Council, are needed in order to permanently halt this military action. Turkey's security concerns in north- eastern Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means and in full accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“During the event, there was a rare spark of optimism in the Hall in the light of the Secretary-General's announcement on 23 September that the Syrian regime and the opposition had reached an agreement on the launching of the Constitutional Committee - the first inter-Syrian agreement since the start of the war in 2011. However, events move fast in Syria, and only two weeks later we witnessed Turkey's unilateral incursion into north-eastern Syria. The EU swiftly condemned Turkey's military action, as it seriously undermines the stability of the whole region, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The fighting has resulted in civilian suffering and further displacement, and has also hindered access to humanitarian assistance.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Barely a month ago, during the high-level week at the General Assembly, the European Union hosted a ministerial event on Syria with the objective of reaffirming the strong commitment to achieving a political solution to the Syrian conflict and to sustaining international support for the Syrian people through the pledges made at the three Brussels conferences. The event also helped to reiterate our support for refugee-hosting countries while reaffirming the EU's firm position on reconstruction, namely that the EU will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, in the framework of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva process, is firmly under way.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Ultimately, and as the EU has said previously, it is the lack of implementation of international law that is the real challenge to the achievement of peace and security in the Middle East. Progress towards a resolution to this conflict would also have an impact on efforts to resolve other crises in the region. Allow me to briefly turn to the situation in Syria. It remains one ofthe worst crises of our times - a conflict that has killed half a million people, displaced half of the Syrian population and threatened the stability of the entire Middle East. It has also provided fertile ground for the rise of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS).”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“In that context, and taking note of the announcement by President Abbas concerning the holding of elections (see A/74/ PV.7), a date should be set very soon for elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip. The EU calls on all Palestinian factions to unequivocally commit to democratic principles prior to the elections. Successful negotiations between the parties are possible, as we saw recently when an arrangement was reached on tax revenue transfers. The agreement shows that progress can be made if there is political will. Both parties should summon the courage to use such political will to advance a two-State solution. It is still possible to reach peace based on the two-State solution if credible steps are taken.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Since the refugee issue - another internationally agreed parameter for the resolution ofthe conflict- also remains unsolved, it is of the utmost importance that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) be able to continue to provide Palestinian refugees with the necessary protection and essential services. The work of UNRWA is also important for the stability of the region, and the EU will continue to support it. The Palestinian Legislative Council was dissolved in December 2018. Strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions that are based on respect for the rule of law and human rights are Vital to the two-State solution.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“We reiterate our call on Israel to respect the fundamental right to peaceful protest, as well as our call on Hamas to ensure that protests remain strictly non-violent. We call once again on all parties to take urgent steps, in line with resolution 2334 (2016), leading to a fundamental change in the humanitarian, political, security and economic situation in Gaza, including through an end to the closure policy, the full opening of crossing points and the granting of humanitarian access, while also addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. Such steps would implement resolution 2334 (2016) and would increase the chances for a two-State solution.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Any settlement activities in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardize the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. The EU has also made clear that it will not recognize any changes to the pre- 1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed to by the parties. We expect both parties, including any future Israeli Government, to act in accordance with international law. The political and security situation in Gaza remains volatile, and the humanitarian situation continues to be a matter of grave concern. All Violence, including the firing of rockets into Israel from Gaza, reminds us that restoring a political horizon for peace is essential to reducing violence and containing extremism in the region.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“We continue to advocate for a negotiated two-State solution and for finally putting an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with an agreement that would end the occupation begun in 1967, put a stop to all claims and fulfil the aspirations of both parties, including ensuring the security needs of Israelis and Palestinians and meeting Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty on a basis of international law, the internationally agreed parameters and the relevant Security Council resolutions. The EU's firm and united position has been set out in detail on numerous occasions. In line with international law, including resolution 2334 (2016), the EU has consistently reiterated its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in that context.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Israel has continued its occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and its settlement activities. Recently there have also been calls for annexation. The constant threat of violence, the incitements to hatred and violence from extremists and terrorists and the lack of progress on intra-Palestinian reconciliation all erode the prospects for peace and a two-State solution. In the meantime, no proposals for peace have been made. Against that backdrop, the EU reiterates its readiness to work with both parties and our partners in the region and the international community towards a resumption of meaningful negotiations, aimed at resolving all final-status issues and achieving a just and lasting peace.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania. Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and my own country Croatia, all of which are also members of the European Union (EU). Our discussions today come at a critical juncture for the Middle East peace process and the viability of a two-State solution. Security Council resolution 2334 (2016) calls for positive steps to be taken immediately in order to reverse the negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the prospects for a two-State solution. Almost three years after the adoption of the resolution, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Last but not least, we are planning to support the implementation of the national human rights action plan, working hand in hand with the Council of Europe, the UnitedNations system in Ukraine and otherinternational partners to conduct additional technical-assistance activities so as to build the capacities of national and local actors, including the Ombudsman's Office and non-governmental organizations, in order to contribute to strengthened human rights protection for all. The deterioration of the economic situation will make the necessary reforms more difficult, and international support will be needed for their success.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“OHCHR will continue to monitor and advocate on the human rights situation in Ukraine in 2016. We are planning to look into particular human rights, especially those that are most at risk, and expand our presence in the east with the opening of the new office in Kramatorsk, and by increasing the number of staff in Donetsk and Luhansk. We also stand ready to facilitate a number of visits to the country under the special procedures provisions, so that the Council can have a better and more comprehensive vision of the human rights situation.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“With respect to Crimea, we reiterate the importance of OHCHR monitors being granted access to the peninsula in order to be able to effectively monitor, on the spot, the human rights situation, which, as I mentioned earlier, shows no signs of improvement. The sentencing of Oleg Sentsov and Aleksandr Kolchenko are recent examples of the failure to uphold fair-trial principles. Urgent steps must be taken to address all disappearance cases, as well as the killing of Reshat Ametov in March 2014. We also call for the unimpeded exercise of the freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression and religion by all Crimean residents and urge the de facto authorities and the Russian Federation to accept and protect all non-violent forms of expression, including cultural and language rights.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“We also call on the Government of Ukraine to reconsider the restrictions on freedom of movement across the contact line imposed in January 2015. We also look forward to seeing the implementation by the Government of the decision of the High Administrative Court of Ukraine to resume the payment of pensions and benefits for people living in areas controlled by the armed groups and the adoption of amendments to the law on internally displaced persons. As an additional human rights and humanitarian- centred confidence-building measure, we would encourage the Government of Ukraine to recognize civil registration documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates issued in territories controlled by the armed groups, in line with the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“In this context, we were glad to learn about the recent statement made by Martin Sajdik, the Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine, who said that it was very important to achieve progress in the release of detainees by the New Year. We have advocated for an "all for all" release to be included in the Minsk agreements and now urge its full and speedy implementation. Regarding the Government of Ukraine, OHCHR would prioritize justice and accountability for the violations committed during the Maidan events, the violence on 2 May 2014 in Odessa, and the human rights violations reported to have been committed in the armed-conflict area.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“On the positive side, during the reporting period, the Government of Ukraine adopted a national human rights strategy and started to develop an action plan to implement it. Ukraine extended the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, which applied to the period of the Maidan events, for crimes committed after 20 February 2014, including, therefore, in relation to the violence of 2 May 2014 in Odessa and the conflict in the east. Constitutional amendments on decentralization were also passed on first reading. All of these are welcome developments. Finally, a few words on the way forward. In the territories controlled by the armed groups, the priority is the release of all illegally detained persons and the provision of independent monitors, including international organizations, with access to places of detention.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“No progress has been made in the investigations into the murder of Reshat Ametov or the disappearance of pro-Ukrainian activists in 2014. A recent development that brought additional attention to Crimea has been a trade blockade initiated in September by the Crimean Tatar leadership in Ukraine. A further development was the damage caused to four transmission towers located in mainland Ukraine that supply electricity to Crimea. While the de facto authorities of Crimea have redirected the existing energy resources to the most critical social infrastructure, such as hospitals, the human rights impact of this situation has been particularly acute for people living alone, with limited mobility and on a low income in remote areas.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“Similarly, there has been no progress in ensuring accountability for the deaths of 48 people during the violence of2 May 2014 in Odessa, and criminal proceedings so far do not seem impartial. Looking back, the human rights situation in Crimea has shown no sign of improvement in 2015. Fundamentally, it is still not possible to express views that differ from those promoted by the de facto authorities and the Russian Federation. Those perceived as being in opposition are intimidated and persecuted. The law-enforcement and justice systems are used as instruments of repression. Crimean Tatar media outlets have been shut down. Seven Crimean Tatars who participated in a pro-Ukrainian demonstration in February 2014 have been arrested this year.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“Elements of the security service of Ukraine appear to enjoy a high degree of impunity, with rare investigations into allegations involving them. The conduct of those elements of Ukrainian law enforcement that are under the Ministry of Internal Affairs is also of concern. OHCHR reiterates that a proper and prompt investigation of every single reported case of a serious violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by Ukrainian military or law-enforcement elements should be carried out; perpetrators should be brought to justice; and victims should receive compensation. Accountability has yet to be achieved for the killing of protesters and other human rights violations committed during the Maidan events in Kyiv, from November 2013 to February 2014.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“That has led to their sense ofincreased isolation, as well as to their impeded access to medical care and social benefits, and disrupted family links. People often spend hours, and even nights, waiting in queues to pass the series of checkpoints, with limited access to water and sanitation facilities. The presence of mines alongside the official transport corridors is an additional security risk. The efforts of the Government of Ukraine to restore law and order in the conflict zone continue to be accompanied by allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary and incommunicado detention, as well as torture and ill-treatment of people suspected of trespassing against the territorial integrity or engaging in terrorism or believed to be supporters of the self-proclaimed Donetsk people's republic and the Luhansk people's republic.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“Immediate steps need to be taken to address that problem. OHCHR also continues to observe pervasive self- censorship and an inability for media professionals to exercise any type of freedom of expression in the east. We also observe that rallies to challenge the policies of the self-proclaimed Donetsk people's republic and of the Luhansk people's republic have been extremely rare because people report being afraid to assemble and speak out. The majority of civil society actors and human rights defenders are unable to operate. Restrictions on movement across the contact line imposed by the Government of Ukraine in January remain one of the major challenges for people living in the conflict area.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“The onset ofwinter and the impediments encountered by humanitarian organizations could worsen the situation. A person recently interviewed by the OHCHR team in Donetsk said, "we are afraid to give birth and we are afraid to die". Owing to the further deterioration of the economic situation and the lack of employment opportunities, even a funeral has become unaffordable for some families. In addition, civil registration documents - birth, death, marriage, divorce and medical certificates f issued in the territories controlled by armed groups are considered invalid by Ukrainian authorities. That precludes people from accessing basic social and medical services. I have heard numerous examples of the hardships faced by people to validate their documents or obtain new ones. There are concerns that children being born now may remain stateless.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“He described in detail the conditions in the former premises of the security service of Ukraine in Donetsk, namely, overcrowding, insufficient nutrition and lack of adequate medical treatment, as well as ill-treatment, torture and forced labour. He also reported numerous incidents when he and other detainees, including women, were tortured - mock executions, beatings and electrocution. Residents of the territories controlled by the armed groups also continue to face difficulties in exercising their economic and social rights, especially with respect to access to quality medical care, accommodation, social services and benefits, as well as insecurity related to housing, land and property rights, including possible confiscation and lack of compensatory mechanisms for damaged, seized or looted property.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“The rights of local residents are still not effectively protected, and there is a lack of accountability or possible redress. The places of detention maintained by the armed groups remain virtually inaccessible to independent oversight, and international organizations, including the Human Rights Monitoring Mission, do not have access to detainees. Those are the places Where human rights abuses are most frequently reported, and where victims are most vulnerable. Let me give an example. On 15 October, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission interviewed a man who had spent a year as a captive of the armed groups.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“It would serve as a one-stop shop mechanism for the relatives of missing persons. Secondly, civil society should be more actively engaged in the effort. Last, but not least, interaction with the relevant actors on the territories controlled by the armed groups is needed. Let me now turn to the situation in the east. Even with the relative military calm on the ground, the lack of the rule of law makes the human rights situation of the estimated 2.7 million people living in the territories controlled by the self-proclaimed Donetsk people's republic and Luhansk people's republic very difficult. Reports of human rights abuses in those territories persist, including those related to killings, torture and ill-treatment, illegal detention and forced labour.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“In that regard, we are glad to see that discussion on coordinated demining efforts is progressing in the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine. The work of the Mine Action Sub-Cluster supports the efforts to decrease risks for the local population. One of the most gruesome legacies of the conflict is that of awaiting action on the search for missing persons and the recovery and identification of mortal remains. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs okaraine, as of 18 September, over 3,000 people were still registered as missing. In the search for them, three factors seem to be essential. First, there needs to be better internal coordination of the governmental bodies of Ukraine, in particular the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the security service and the Ministry of Defence.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“Looking ahead, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights sees the implementation of the Minsk agreements as the only viable strategy for achieving a peaceful solution in Donbas, which, in turn, is a key for resolving the human rights crisis in Ukraine. In the area ofhostilities, the continued avoidance of shelling of populated areas remains a top priority, along with mine action activities. All the parties involved in the hostilities should investigate all incidents of civilian casualties caused by military action, and are encouraged to establish civilian casualty mitigation cells. There is an urgent need for extensive mine action activities, including the establishment of appropriate coordination mechanisms, mapping and mine-risk education and awareness on both sides of the contact line.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“We should also not forget that the current relative calm in the conflict area may be just another manifestation of the repeated pattern we have been observing in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict * a surge in hostilities accompanied by massive civilian casualties, followed by a ceasefire agreement, which is in turn followed by a decrease in hostilities and civilian casualties, and then a new escalation of hostilities begins. That must not happen again. The overall death toll ofthe conflict is already too high. Between the start of the hostilities, in mid-April 2014 and 7 December 2015, at least 9,115 people were killed in the conflict area of eastern Ukraine. As in the past, that is a conservative estimate. The real number of conflict-related casualties is considered to be higher.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“We are now seeing the longest period since the beginning of the conflict in which no large-scale indiscriminate shelling of populated areas is taking place, and reports about people killed by shelling are unusual. However, people continue to die, increasingly from explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices. The percentage of civilian casualties including deaths and injuries caused by explosive remnants and improvised devices in recent months stands at about 80 per cent.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“The Mission's twelfth report, covering the period between 16 August and 15 November, was released two days ago. The past several months were marked by a considerable decrease in hostilities. Alhough the hostilities have not ceased completely, the shelling of populated areas has decreased dramatically. The number of civilian casualties, especially those caused by shelling, has also significantly decreased. The total number ofcivilian deaths recorded by the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine between 16 August and 15 November was 47. That is a sharp decrease as compared with the previous reporting period from 16 May to 15 August, when we recorded that 105 persons had been killed.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“Mr. Simonovie: I would like to thank you, Madam President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council. I am very happy that Ambassador Apakan of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with whom we cooperate closely in our field activities, is also with us today via video-teleconference. The assessment of the situation in Ukraine of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is based on reports from the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission over the past 20 months, both in Government-controlled areas and in areas controlled by the armed groups. The Mission has also continued to monitor the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, whose status was defined in General Assembly resolution 68/262, on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7576 (2015) · source
“After more than 6,000 killed, 1 million displaced, hundreds of thousands of refugees, and continuing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the conflict has still not reached the point of no return. However, the window of opportunity seems to be rapidly closing. We simply cannot afford to let that happen.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“At the same time, the Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko remains in solitary confinement in a pre-trial detention centre in the Russian Federation. It is highly important to ensure that Ms. Savchenko is released from custody immediately. She should either be released under the all-for-all formula or on humanitarian grounds, because of her health conditions. In conclusion, the human rights situation in Ukraine remains grave. There are fears that hostilities may resume, and concerns about a military campaign on Mariupol, That could entail many more casualties, significantly escalate the conflict and lead to its further internationalization.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“It is the only way out of a crisis, which is not only national but also regional and, increasingly, global. I especially welcome the all-for-all formula for the release of detainees. I have advocated for the formula with representatives of the armed groups, the Government and the facilitators. However, so far it has not been properly applied. Piecemeal prisoner exchanges, which have taken place so far, stimulate arbitrary arrests in order to have more prisoners to exchange. The full implementation of an all-for-all release formula would be an important confidence-building measure and a real test of the commitment of parties to end the conflict. I therefore call on both parties to implement it fully and immediately.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“The situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is also deteriorating, with systematic human rights violations affecting mostly Crimean Tatars and those who opposed the March referendum. The Deputy Chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Mr. Ahtem Ciygoz, was placed in pre-trial detention for his participation in a pro-Ukrainian protest a year ago. That is in addition to the continued ban against the historical leaders of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Mr. Mustafa Jemilev and current Chair Refat Chubarov, to return to Crimea. According to Mr. Chubarov, there are serious allegations of attempts to break the autonomy of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis and replace its leadership with pro-Russian candidates. The pressure on Crimean Tatar media also continues. It is absolutely necessary that all sides fully respect the 12 February Minsk agreement.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“In the same vein, it is also very alarming that the key defence witness in the case against former mayor of Slovyansk Nelya Shtepa was abducted and found murdered on 30 January, which effectively intimidates other witnesses from coming forward. At the same time, the armed groups continue to violate the most basic human rights of the population trapped in the areas under their control. The Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine continues to document cases of torture, ill-treatment and disappearances. On 22 January, a dozen Ukrainian servicemen captured at Donetsk airport were forced to march through the streets of Donetsk. Several were reportedly physically assaulted by members of the armed groups and by onlookers. It is recalled that such degrading and humiliating treatment of prisoners may constitute a war crime.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“After one year, only four persons have been arrested, two of whom are being tried currently. However, as yet no one has been convicted for the violence that led to the deaths of 117 people. Impartial justice and accountability must also apply to those who have committed violations in the context of the hostilities. While the initiation of some 49 criminal proceedings against servicemen ofthe Ukrainian armed forces and National Guard for human rights violations was a welcome development, it appears that most cases were not pursued due to disputes over the official status of those presumably involved.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“Against that backdrop, it remains absolutely crucial that the Government show resolve and commitment to fight corruption and to render impartial justice and accountability for all human rights violations, regardless of the perpetrators or the victims. Impartial accountability can help deter future human rights violations, preserve the confidence of the people in their Government and contribute to the healing of psychological wounds. In that context, the judgement rendered by the regional administrative court on 19 February, which found that the State emergency service was responsible for inaction during 2 May disorders in Odesa, is a welcome step in the right direction. Nonetheless, progress in the investigations into human rights violations related to the Maidan events remains slow.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“The enormous influx ofregistered internally displaced persons (IDPs), as already reported by Office for the Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs, is placing an ever-heavier burden on the Government and on the Ukrainian people. Just this week, the Parliament passed a bill reducing already low pensions in order to satisfy conditions for the much-needed International Monetary Fund loan and to allow social payments to IDPs. It is clear that the price of the conflict rises for every individual Ukrainian, as the cost of living continues to soar, the threat of potential gas and heating shortages becomes more likely and the value of the hryvnia declines, along with the standard of living. Ultimately, the much-needed and long-promised reforms are severely jeopardized as they are moved further and further down the Government's list of priorities.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“With every new attack on the civilian population, with every new case of arbitrary detention and torture, with every new deprivation of basic services to those remaining in the territory under the control of the armed groups, with every new displacement, the divide deepens. A terrorist attack in Kharkiv, which killed four people by an explosive device on 22 February, and 14 attacks in Odesa since December, targeting pro-Maidan offices and supporters, are further contributing to the negative trend. At the same time, there is growing dissatisfaction among the Ukrainian population over the fighting in the east, and there have been a series of anti-mobilization protests around the country. Fourthly, the humanitarian situation is increasingly affecting the social and economic rights ofthe population as a whole.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“According to the Government, the situation of approximately 4,000 people remaining in 21 facilities of institutional care in the areas under the control of armed groups is particularly precarious. The lack of vital medicines and food is also of major concern. The armed groups have on several occasions stated that they will not allow the evacuation of people from social care institutions, such as older persons or the bedridden. Nothing has been done to evacuate prisoners either. It is essential that these most vulnerable groups be evacuated as a matter of priority, and as part of an obligation under international humanitarian law. Thirdly, there is a clear indication that the divide in Ukrainian society continues to deepen.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“By 4 March, the number of residential buildings destroyed during the conflict period on the territory of the Donetsk region exceeded 9,500. Approximately 150,000 local residents of the Donetsk region alone still remain without water, gas and electricity. Hospitals, schools and kindergartens have been shelled in both Government-controlled and armed-groups controlled areas, limiting access to health care and education. The situation is aggravated by the alleged continued inflow of heavy weaponry and foreign fighters from the Russian Federation. Secondly, many civilians have remained trapped in the conflict zone, with ongoing and severe restrictions on the freedom of movement.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“First, during the reporting period there was an increased use of sophisticated and heavy weaponry, including multiple launch rocket systems. Those types of weapons were used during the 24 January attack on Mariupol, which killed 31 people, including two children. In the east up until the ceasefire of 15 February, and in the Debaltseve area beyond the ceasefire, there was continued indiscriminate shelling of highly populated civilian areas, both in areas controlled by the Government and those controlled by the armed groups, with an escalating toll on civilians. The deliberate targeting of civilians may constitute a war crime and could amount to a crime against humanity if widespread or systematic. Attacks caused heavy damage to civilian property and vital infrastructure.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“Particularly in January and the first half of February, the stark escalation of hostilities led to increased violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, with a sharp spike in casualties and devastating consequences for the local population. From mid-April 2014 until 15 February 2015, at least 5,665 people were documented as killed; by 5 March, the figure increased to at least 5,820. Given that full reports on casualties, especially near Donetsk airport and in the Debaltseve area, are still pending, we estimate that the total number of people killed in eastern Ukraine has now passed the 6,000 mark. Allow me to highlight a number of disturbing trends in the human rights situation in Ukraine.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source
“Mr. Simonovie: The ninth report of the United Nations Human Rights Mission in Ukraine, whose mandate has just been renewed for a further three months, was released on 2 March. It covers the period from 1 December 2014 to 15 February 2015. Today I will highlight some of the report's key findings and provide an update on developments since the cut-off date. Although since the 12 February Minsk agreement the ceasefire in Ukraine has held up in general, with a few isolated incidents of small arms and mortar shelling reported, the human rights situation, especially in eastern Ukraine, has remained alarming.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source