channels that any UN human rights presence should be discussed with it and that it does not support the deployment of human rights monitors in Crimea. Nonetheless, UN HRMMU will continue to seek the presence of a sub-office in Crimea, in consultation with the Government of Ukraine and various interlocutors in Crimea, and continue to monitor the human rights situation from outside the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. 100. There is also serious concern about violations of the civil and political rights of the inhabitants of Crimea, in particular with regard to those who oppose recent events. Recent events also create major concerns of effective statelessness, as well as concerns of the loss of rights of those who wish to be considered citizens of Ukraine. 101. Underlying human rights violations by previous Governments were among the root causes of the popular demonstrations that took place throughout Ukraine and in particular in the centre of Kyiv on Maidan from November 2013 to February 2014. There are now clear indications of a willingness by the present Government to ensure a break with past injustices and to elaborate a new vision for Ukraine’s future. Strengthening the rule of law, democracy and human rights will be key to any lasting change and to avoid any spirit of revenge. Legislative and institutional reforms should be carried out in a comprehensive, transparent and consultative way, and therefore not be rushed. Furthermore, they should be sustained through consistent and accountable implementation. 102. A number of priority human rights concerns and corresponding reforms need to be addressed in the short, medium and long term. Irrespective of the fact that systemic shortcomings may be only remedied in the medium and long-term, it will be important to pave the way immediately through a series of initial measures that will build confidence and reassure all people, including minorities, that their concerns will be addressed. 103. The international community and the UN in particular, can and should play a role in supporting an environment where the human rights of all, including minorities and indigenous peoples, can be best promoted and protected. Without an independent and objective establishment of the facts and circumstances surrounding alleged human rights violations, there is a serious risk of competing narratives being manipulated for political ends and leading to divisiveness and incitement to hatred. 104. In this context, OHCHR engagement and provision of information and analysis of the human rights situation through the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission on the ground will allow the UN to undertake further steps to respond to the situation in Ukraine in line with the Secretary-General’s Rights Up Front approach. In providing an impartial and authoritative human rights assessments, it can contribute to establishing the facts, de-escalating tensions, and paving the way for an environment that is conducive to the holding of free and fair elections. OHCHR is ready to assist in the implementation of the recommendations contained in this report. 24 | P a g e