44th session of the UN Human Rights Council
Agenda item 3
Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of IDPs
Intervention by the Delegation of Ukraine
July 9, 2020
Madame President,
The ongoing temporary occupation of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation has forced around 1,5 million of our citizens to flee conflict-affected areas. As a result, Ukraine is a country with the highest number of internally displaced population in Europe.
Even today, Russia continues forcing from Crimea dozens of thousands of our citizens who oppose the occupation. Persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Illustrative in this context is the story of disabled Crimean Tatar former political prisoner Edem Bekirov, who was recently banned to visit his elderly mother.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine demonstrates consistent commitment to implementation of durable solutions in addressing the needs of IDPs. Among the recent achievements is the legislation that opens the doors for their participation in the upcoming local elections. This month, the Parliament has also simplified access of IDP high school graduates to higher education.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her consistent attention to the situation in Ukraine and for her recent report on persons with disabilities. Our delegation wishes to reiterate Ukraine’s continuous commitment to further protect its displaced citizens, including the most vulnerable among them, in line with recommendations provided in the mentioned report.
In the meantime, we count on support of the international community for Ukraine’s efforts to free its territories from the Russian occupation, so that our displaced citizens are granted a long-awaited opportunity to return to their homes in safety and dignity.
I thank you.