On December 18, 2019, the UN Human Rights Council held an intersessional Interactive Dialogue on Ukraine pursuant to its resolution 41/25. The dialogue was based on the 28^th report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Ukraine for the period from August 16 to November 15, 2019, presented by Kate Gilmore, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights.

While participating in the dialogue Yurii Klymenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine in Geneva, has emphasized the ongoing numerous violations of human rights, committed by the Russian occupation administration in Ukrainian Donbas and Crimea, drawing attention, in particular, to this year report of the UN Secretary General on the situation in the occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. It has been stressed that the Russian Federation uses its anti-terrorist legislation as an instrument for political repressions against the Crimean Tatar people.

The Ukrainian diplomat has pointed out that as long as the 400-km long uncontrolled section of the Russian-Ukrainian state border is open for a free flow of Russian weaponry, munitions, personnel and mercenaries, the humanitarian and human rights situation in Donbas will not improve.

Y.Klymenko has expressed hope that under a strict scrutiny by the international community Russia will duly implement the agreements recently reached in Paris in the Normandy format and not misinterpret them resorting to pick-and-choose approach.

Almost all participants of the dialogue have expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, while noting our state’s commitment to the protection of human rights throughout its territory within internationally recognized borders as well as efforts of the Government of Ukraine to improve the situation of the population affected by the hostilities in Donbas.