A/HRC/41/CRP.2 IX. Conclusions and recommendations 110. While welcoming the ongoing decline in conflict-related civilian casualties, OHCHR continues to observe the incremental impact of the conflict on people living along both sides of the contact line, as well as throughout the country. All parties should amplify their efforts to end the conflict, and in the meantime, ensure the protection of civilians. 111. The realisation of economic and social rights for those affected by the conflict would significantly contribute to restoring peace and stability in eastern Ukraine. Consequently, inclusive and non-discriminatory policies, laws and practices should be at the core of all efforts to bring about greater social cohesion in Ukraine. 112. Accountability is essential to stem systematic practices that continue to lead to violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Full respect for the rule of law, including prompt, independent and impartial investigations into such violations and respect for fair trial standards, would have widespread benefits the enjoyment of all rights by all. 113. OHCHR commends Ukraine’s vibrant media and civil society, but the lack of protection for individuals in these spheres is a persistent concern, and further exacerbated by impunity for attacks by a multitude of actors, including members of extreme right-wing groups. 114. Following the peaceful holding of presidential elections during this reporting period, in the run up to which mass assemblies were policed effectively, the Government should redouble its efforts to secure the space for civic expression, essential for ensuring peaceful and inclusive parliamentary elections. This should include addressing impunity for attacks on media professionals, civil society activists, lawyers and political opponents, which reduces the space for civic expression. 115. In Crimea, violations of international humanitarian and human rights law continued unabated, including in detention, as the Russian Federation continued to apply its legislation in violation of its obligation as an occupying Power, notably affecting those speaking Ukrainian, and Crimean Tatars. 116. OHCHR refers to its recommendations made in previous reports, a number of which remain outstanding. It further recommends the following, on the basis of its findings from the current reporting period of 16 February to 15 May 2019: 117. To the Ukrainian authorities: condemn all acts of violence and promptly, impartially and efficiently investigate all violent attacks against media professionals, civic and political activists, human rights defenders, political parties, and defence lawyers. Motives of perpetrators and other aggravating circumstances should be considered during initial criminal classification and investigations into these attacks; ensure adequate and effective security for all peaceful public assemblies, prevent, stop and investigate all acts of violence, while facilitating the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly without discrimination; ensure the right to freedom of religion or belief for all without discrimination while avoiding interference of non-religious groups in religious matters. To the Ukrainian President, as the guarantor of constitutional rights: until a sustainable peaceful solution to the conflict in the east is found, ensure that Joint Forces Operation of Ukraine fully abide by ceasefire and other security provisions of the Minsk Agreements, and comply with international humanitarian law; support a culture of accountability and respect for the rule of law, and fighting impunity through prompt, independent and impartial investigations, prosecutions and trials, of violent acts and human rights violations, by ensuring adequate resources are made available for the State Bureau of Investigation and combating pressure on judges in cooperation with the General Prosecutor; 28