deprived of their liberty – the latter being one of the key pre-conditions for establishing another ceasefire.112 Some detainees were subsequently released but it is not known if this was a result of the Minsk agreement. As the Government regains territory formerly seized by armed groups, it must ensure that all allegations of human rights abuses and violations by armed groups and its forces are fully investigated in accordance with international human rights norms and standards. Particular attention must also be paid to ensure that those people who remained in the areas under the control of armed groups do not face false claims of collaboration, with any such allegation being met with due process and the avoidance of reprisals. Military prosecutors and the Security Service of Ukraine have already investigated over 1,500 cases of various offences committed by local officials and citizens in the east, and more than 150 people have been prosecuted.113 In Slovyansk, the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched 86 criminal investigations into allegations of kidnapping and enforced disappearance. 114 The police in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions have come under scrutiny with 80% - about 20,000 police officers - requiring ‘re-qualification’ to ascertain they were not involved in any crimes while under the control of armed groups. The remaining 20% were dismissed for misconduct or for not returning to work.115 It was reported that all police officers were subjected to a lie detector test to determine their possible affiliation with the armed groups.116 Residents of these regions back under the control of the Government report the fear of reprisals, the lack of confidence that their own cases will be investigated, and fear that impunity will continue with no accountability. By 3 August, the Government stated it had regained control of 65 towns and villages in eastern Ukraine that had been held by the armed groups. Some 20,000 residents who had fled the fighting have since returned home to Slovyansk.117 Government ministries and volunteer groups began working on restoring essential services, clearing away the rubble and unexploded ordinances and rebuilding areas that had been ravaged by months of fighting. By the end of July, the acting mayor of Slovyansk reported to the HRMMU that the city no longer required humanitarian aid and electricity, gas and water supply had resumed to 95% of the normal level. Residents started receiving pensions and other social welfare benefits that had not been paid during May and June while the city was under the control of armed groups. The continued violence by the armed groups and the ongoing security operation being undertaken by the Government of Ukraine, will leave deep psychological scars on Ukrainians living in the affected areas. Many residents, especially children, who have been affected by this atmosphere of fear and intimidation and the prolonged fighting, may need psychological assistance to heal and rebuild their lives. Many others, such as victims of torture and formerhostages, especially those held for long periods, will also need help to recover. In order to ensure accountability and an end to impunity, all such grave human rights violations must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice, and victims provided with remedies and reparations. Only then will effective national dialogue and reconciliation be possible. 112 The other two elements are Government control of the border and disarming of the armed groups, as previously stated by the Ukraine President. Following the Minsk talks, the OSCE said other elements were an OSCE supported monitoring and verification mechanism to become effective simultaneously with the entry into force of a ceasefire and the effective control and verification of the border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Currently, armed groups remain in control of about 100 kilometers of the Ukraine-Russian Federation border. 113 According to the Ukraine Prosecutor General on 2 August. 114 Reported to the HRMMU on 30-31 July 2014. 115 As reported to HRMMU by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 116 Reported to the HRMMU on 30-31 July 2014. 117 According to UNHCR, since early July. 200 | P a g e