situation in eastern Ukraine. According to acting President and Speaker of Parliament Turchynov, the initiative was not supported by members of the opposition. On 22 April, the draft law “On prevention of harassment and punishment of persons in relation to the events that took place during mass actions of civil resistance that began on 22 February 2014" was registered in Parliament. ii. Armed groups continue to illegally seize and occupy public and administrative buildings in cities and towns of the eastern regions and proclaim “self-declared regions”. Leaders and members of these armed groups commit an increasing number of human rights abuses, such as abductions, harassment, unlawful detentions, in particular of journalists. This is leading to a breakdown in law and order and a climate of intimidation and harassment. iii. In the aftermath of the 16 March unlawful “referendum”15 in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, there are increasing reports of residents being affected by the changing institutional and legal framework. Human rights concerns relate to citizenship, property and labour rights, access to health and education. Of concern to the HRMMU, are the increasing reports of on-going harassment towards Crimean Tatars, and other residents who did not support the “referendum”. The reported cases of Crimean Tatars facing obstruction to their freedom of movement, as well as the recent attack on the building of the parliament of the Crimean Tatar people are worrying developments. Legislation of the Russian Federation is now being enforced in Crimea, in contradiction with UN General Assembly resolution 68/262, entitled “Territorial integrity of Ukraine”. In addition, its differences with Ukrainian laws will have a significant impact on human rights, posing in particular limitations on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association and religion. iv. The Government of Ukraine needs to carry out a prompt, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the violent events in Odesa and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in a timely and impartial manner. The impact of the 2 May violence in Odesa has hardened the resolve of many, and strengthened the rhetoric of hatred. In its aftermath, a call was made for mobilisation to join local armed groups in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Referenda on the “recognition” of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic and “Luhansk People’s Republic” were planned in both regions for 11 May. v. Many peaceful demonstrations have been observed by the HRMMU in the country. A tendency has been observed for a peaceful protest to suddenly turn into a violent confrontation. Increasingly the result of such violent acts and confrontation leads to numerous deaths and injuries. All too often, the police appear unable to guarantee the security of participants, and ensure law and order. Peaceful assemblies must be 15 UN General Assembly Resolution 68/262 on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, OP 5: “Underscores that the referendum held in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol on 16 March 2014, having no validity, cannot form the basis for any alteration of the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea or of the city of Sevastopol”. 32 | P a g e