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The UN report on misinformation and incitement to hatred in Ukraine
Carmen Munteanu - Communications Coordinator
24 April 2014
The Ukrainian government should take urgent measures to counter disinformation, propaganda and incitement to hatred, in order to mitigate the tensions in the country, shows a recent UN human rights report.
The report looks at the root causes of the protests that have taken place since November 2013, including corruption and economic inequality, as well as the lack of accountability for human rights violations by the security forces and weak rule of law institutions.
It also assesses the human rights situation in Crimea, including in the context of the 16 March referendum. "In eastern Ukraine, where a large ethnic Russian minority resides, the situation remains particularly tense", the report says. Information gathered so far indicates that 121 people were killed in violence between December 2013 and February 2014.
The authorities in Crimea should also publicly condemn all attacks or harassment against human rights defenders, journalists or any members of the political opposition, the report urges. "The current situation also raises concerns with regard to land and property ownership, wages and pensions, health service, labour rights, education and access to justice", the report adds. "Another issue in Crimea was the introduction of the Russian citizenship, which raises concerns related to the possibility to remain in Crimea of those who opt to maintain the Ukrainian citizenship. (...) There is an urgent need to ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights in Ukraine and thus guarantee the enjoyment of all human rights for all, including minorities", said Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The report makes recommendations both to the Ukrainian Government and to the authorities in Crimea. Ukraine should ensure accountability for all human rights violations committed during the unrest and should promptly investigate abuse cases, ensure inclusivity and equal participation in public affairs and political life, prevent media manipulation and implement measures to effectively eradicate corruption. As regards the authorities in Crimea, the recommendations refer to actively resolving cases of missing persons, granting access to places of detention, protecting the rights of citizens – minorities and residents belonging to the majority, investigating all allegations of hate speech and media manipulation.
The full report is available at http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/Ukraine_Report_15April2014.doc.
Source: OHCHR
The report looks at the root causes of the protests that have taken place since November 2013, including corruption and economic inequality, as well as the lack of accountability for human rights violations by the security forces and weak rule of law institutions.
It also assesses the human rights situation in Crimea, including in the context of the 16 March referendum. "In eastern Ukraine, where a large ethnic Russian minority resides, the situation remains particularly tense", the report says. Information gathered so far indicates that 121 people were killed in violence between December 2013 and February 2014.
The authorities in Crimea should also publicly condemn all attacks or harassment against human rights defenders, journalists or any members of the political opposition, the report urges. "The current situation also raises concerns with regard to land and property ownership, wages and pensions, health service, labour rights, education and access to justice", the report adds. "Another issue in Crimea was the introduction of the Russian citizenship, which raises concerns related to the possibility to remain in Crimea of those who opt to maintain the Ukrainian citizenship. (...) There is an urgent need to ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights in Ukraine and thus guarantee the enjoyment of all human rights for all, including minorities", said Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The report makes recommendations both to the Ukrainian Government and to the authorities in Crimea. Ukraine should ensure accountability for all human rights violations committed during the unrest and should promptly investigate abuse cases, ensure inclusivity and equal participation in public affairs and political life, prevent media manipulation and implement measures to effectively eradicate corruption. As regards the authorities in Crimea, the recommendations refer to actively resolving cases of missing persons, granting access to places of detention, protecting the rights of citizens – minorities and residents belonging to the majority, investigating all allegations of hate speech and media manipulation.
The full report is available at http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/Ukraine_Report_15April2014.doc.
Source: OHCHR
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