44th session of the Human Rights Council
Item 3
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Intervention by the Representative of Ukraine
(Geneva, July 10, 2020)
Madame President,
The right to assemble peacefully, along with freedom of expression, is at the core of any functioning democratic system and crucial to create a tolerant and pluralistic society, to maintain and develop culture, such as of the preservation of minority and indigenous people identities.
We appreciate the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur with regard to COVID-19 pandemic, so that states could respond to this threat in line with their international obligations, in particular, to promote and protect the right to freedom of assembly and association.
Regretfully, Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions persist in disregarding their duty of an occupying power under international humanitarian law and use the recent aggravation of the humanitarian situation as a smokescreen for further attacks on the rights and freedoms of the Ukrainian citizens.
We find the recommendations offered by the Special Rapporteur in his comprehensive report worth further consideration.
I thank you.