c) All armed groups must disarm and their unlawful acts brought to an end, including the
immediate release all those unlawfully detained, and the vacation of occupied public and
administrative buildings, in line with the provisions of the 17 April Geneva Agreement.
Those found to be arming and inciting armed groups and transforming them into
paramilitary forces must be held accountable under national and international law.
d) Security and law enforcement operations must be in line with international standards
and guarantee the protection of all individuals at all times. Law enforcement bodies must
ensure that all detainees are registered and afforded legal review of the grounds of their
detention.
e) The violent clashes in Odesa on 2 May resulted in the deaths of 46 people, with over
200 injured and 13 remaining missing. It appears to have hardened the resolve of those
opposing the Government, and deepened division between communities. There is a need
for an independent investigation into the violent events of that day. The perpetrators must
be brought to justice in a fair and non-selective manner.
f) Primarily as a result of the actions of organised armed groups, the continuation of the
rhetoric of hatred and propaganda fuels the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine, with a
potential of spiralling out of control. Acts of hate speech must be publicly condemned and
deterred. Political leaders should refrain from using messages of intolerance or expressions
which may incite violence, hostility or discrimination; but they also have a crucial role to
play in speaking out firmly and promptly against intolerance, discriminatory stereotyping
and instances of hate speech47.
g) There are increasing reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists. These should
be investigated and addressed in order to ensure accountability and protect fundamental
human rights and freedoms. Freedom of expression must be ensured allowing journalists
the space and security to carry out their work objectively.
h) There is an increasing tendency in some critical urban areas for rallies of opposing
groups to be held simultaneously, often leading to violent confrontations and clashes. This
trend can be reverted by replacing incitement to hatred with the culture of tolerance and
mutual respect for diverging views. Peaceful demonstrations must be permitted, as a
matter of international law, and also as a way for people to express their opinion. Law
enforcement agencies must facilitate peaceful assemblies, ensuring the protection of
participants, irrespective of their political views. In this context, law enforcement officers
must receive adequate training for handling rallies and protests in line with the
international human rights standards.
i) The law enforcement reform package should aim to reinforce the rule of law; to depoliticise, de-militarise, de-centralise and strengthen the structure of the law enforcement
bodies through accountability, transparency, and closer cooperation with the public and
local communities, as well as professionalising the staff.
j) The Law “On the restoration of the credibility of the judiciary in Ukraine” must be
brought in line with international norms and standards.
47
See the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that
constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence (A/HRC/22/17/Add.4, appendix, para. 36).
63 | P a g e
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