to persecute ethnic Russians in Crimea, were systematically used to create a climate of fear and insecurity that reflected on support to integration of Crimea into the Russian Federation. 90. During the ASG’s visit to Crimea, the situation of the remaining Ukrainian military personnel in Sevastopol and Bakhchisaray was discussed. The authorities in Crimea confirmed that although there were some complaints of the previous period, the blocked garrisons had sufficient food and access to healthcare, though some experienced shortages in drinking water. The reported pressure on them and their families had allegedly decreased. Some officers and soldiers with whom the delegation was able to meet stressed their fear of being accused of defection or desertion and being criminally prosecuted upon return to mainland Ukraine. 91. Notwithstanding the adoption of General Assembly resolution 68/262 on the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine, there are a number of measures taken in Crimea that are deeply concerning in terms of human rights. For example, measures such as the introduction of Russian citizenship, making it difficult for those who opt to maintain their Ukrainian citizenship to stay in Crimea, give rise to issues of legal residency and loss of related social and economic rights, including the right to work. The current situation also raises concerns with regard to land and property ownership, wages and pensions, health service, labour rights, education and access to justice. In particular, civil society representatives have drawn attention to the difficulties arising from the location of the central property register in Kyiv and the severing of communication between the local administration and the administration based in Kyiv. The authorities in Crimea indicated during discussions that human rights will be fully respected, including those pertaining to citizenship and property rights. 92. The overall climate of uncertainty, including human rights and protection concerns, has led some people, predominantly Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians, to leave Crimea. For example, in the Lviv region alone, the local authorities and private citizens have already accommodated some 639 Crimeans, among them a majority being Crimean Tatars who have left and gone to the Lviv region; others have left for Turkey. The number of Crimean Tatars currently displaced is estimated to have reached 3000. VII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Conclusions 93. There is an urgent need to ensure full respect for the rule of law and human rights in Ukraine in order to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights for all, including minorities, while also contributing to de-escalate tensions in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. In doing so, it is proposed that immediate recommendations on overcoming human rights challenges be implemented as a matter of priority. However, underlying human rights violations that are among the root causes of the protests and continue to negatively impact on the situation must also be addressed in the long-term. It is important that the Government demonstrates commitment and pursues a public and inclusive debate on necessary legal and policy reforms, and where possible, takes concrete steps towards the implementation of some of the long-term recommendations, as outlined in this report. 94. As a matter of priority for the Government during this crucial period, is to immediately address possible instances of speech that advocates national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence in order to de-escalate tensions and ensure an environment that is conducive to the holding of free and fair elections. Political leaders should be encouraged to send messages of inclusiveness and counter hate speech and 22 | P a g e