The United Nations has released a new report on human rights violations by the Russian Federation in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The document states that Russia’s actions have created discriminatory conditions, forcing thousands of Ukrainians to leave their homes and currently preventing them from returning.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Coercive Demands and Restrictions for Ukrainians
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine emphasized that the Russian authorities in the temporarily occupied territories are implementing a policy of coercion. This includes mandatory acquisition of Russian citizenship, conscription into the Russian armed forces, and adherence to laws that restrict the fundamental freedoms of local residents.
Among those forced to leave their hometowns and villages are representatives from various professions: teachers, parents, medical workers, nuclear power plant employees, clergy, human rights defenders, and others. As noted by the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Daniel Bell:
“Among those who were forced to leave are a diverse group of people: teachers, parents, medical workers, nuclear power plant employees, clergy, human rights defenders, and many others. Although they came from different backgrounds, these individuals left for one reason: because they could not – or did not want to – comply with the illegal demands imposed by the occupying authorities.”
According to UN estimates, over 870,000 internally displaced persons are currently unable to return to their homes due to Russia’s policy. To return to the occupied territory, citizens must accept Russian citizenship, enroll their children in schools with a Russian curriculum, avoid expressing Ukrainian cultural identity, and comply with Russian legislation that restricts freedoms of speech, religion, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
International Assessment of Human Rights Violations
The UN continues to publish analytical reports on the human rights situation in Ukraine amid Russia’s aggression. Earlier in March, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Violations during the War between Russia and Ukraine classified deportations, illegal transfers, and enforced disappearances of Ukrainian children from occupied territories as crimes against humanity. Delays in the repatriation of these children to Ukraine were also recognized as a war crime.
A recent UN report details the findings of investigations into human rights violations and freedoms in the occupied territories over the past year.