and IDPs. There are discussions by the Government of Ukraine NGOs and activists on the development of a strategy on the ‘reintegration’ of Crimea into Ukraine, to be prepared by the National Council on Security and Defence of Ukraine, and the holding of a conference on Crimea. During its session from 12 to 14 August, the Parliament of Ukraine adopted a law that affects Crimean IDPs. According to the law165, citizens from Crimea will be able to continue their education at higher educational institutions in mainland Ukraine in accordance with the usual procedure, which means that additional government-funded places in higher educational institutions will not be created for students from Crimea, as had been previously proposed. Crimean IDPs on the mainland are considered by the government to be temporarily displaced. For this reason, the Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine said on 17 July that IDPs from Crimea will not be provided with subsidized housing on the mainland. The task of the state, according to the Minister, is to provide IDPs with affordable temporary housing conditions until they return home. X. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS While the Government of Ukraine has a legitimate responsibility to restore law and order in areas seized by armed groups, nevertheless, the security operation must at all times respect its obligations under international law, including by upholding the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. It is urgent to find a peaceful solution to end the violence in the eastern regions. This is the only way to save lives and to avoid a large scale humanitarian disaster. Effective control of the state border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is a priority. Rule of law and the respect for human rights should be ensured for all. Accountability and curbing impunity are the basis for meaningful national reconciliation and dialogue. The continued fighting coupled with the breakdown of law and order in the areas controlled by the armed groups in the east will leave deep scars on Ukrainians. Many residents, especially children, who have been affected by this atmosphere of fear and intimidation inflicted by the armed groups and the prolonged fighting, may need psychological assistance to heal and rebuild their lives. Many others, such as victims of torture and former hostages, especially those held for long periods, will also need 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 remedies provided to victims. Only then will reconciliation efforts be really successful and sustainable. As highlighted in previous OHCHR reports, short-term human rights concerns should be addressed within the broader and longer term framework that will see institutional reform and enable change that will impact on the enjoyment of all rights – civil, cultural, economic, political, and social. OHCHR reiterates its firm call for needed human rights reforms to be part of the EU aspirations of Ukraine and its reform agenda. The root causes of the current crisis were due to the systematic and structural curtailment of basic human rights, especially the weaknesses of rule of law institutions and widespread corruption. These were exacerbated by the alteration of status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as the violence and fighting in eastern Ukraine. The way out of the current crisis in the east, to ensure reconciliation of communities through 165 "On amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On ensuring citizens’ rights and freedoms and legal regime on the temporary occupied territory of Ukraine" re place of residence and the right to education” No. 4931 dd. 12.08.2014. 226 | P a g e