Summary
The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights is deeply
worried about the human rights situation in Crimea and in the self-proclaimed
“people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk (“DPR” and “LPR”) and
the lack of legal remedies for victims.
The “DPR” and “LPR”, established, supported and effectively
controlled by the Russian Federation, do not enjoy any legitimacy
under Ukrainian or international law. This applies to all their
“institutions”, including the “courts” established by the de facto
authorities.
Under international law, the Russian Federation, which exercises de facto control over these territories,
is responsible for the protection of their population. Regarding
Crimea, Russian military presence and effective control have been
officially acknowledged by the Russian authorities. Regarding the
“DPR” and the “LPR”, effective control is based on the well-documented
crucial role of Russian military personnel in taking over and maintaining
control of these regions, and on the complete dependence of the
“DPR” and “LPR” on Russia in logistical, financial and administrative
terms.
Both in Crimea and in the conflict zone in the Donbas region,
serious human rights violations have occurred. The committee finds
that free and fair elections are not possible in these regions as
long as the climate of insecurity, intimidation and impunity and
the lack of freedom of expression and information prevail.
