Equipo Nizkor - UN Human Rights Commissioner office concerned over use of force in south-eastern Ukraine.

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06May14

UN Human Rights Commissioner office concerned over use of force in south-eastern Ukraine

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is strongly concerned over Ukrainian government's excessive use of force in a punitive operation in the southeast of the country.
"Excessive use of force is obviously a major concern in current situation," UNHCHR spokesman Rupert Colville said at a briefing on Tuesday. He added: "The government must ensure that military and police operations are undertaken in line with international standards. It is extremely important that the authorities themselves demonstrate full respect for the rule of law and scrupulously protect the human rights of all, including the Russian-speaking population."
Elections in Ukraine hardly possible
Rupert Colville noted that in the current situation it is very complicated to hold elections in Ukraine. In this regard, he pointed to the facts of serious violations and noted that buildings were being set on fire and people were killed on the streets.
In late April, head of Ukraine's Central Election Committee Mykhailo Okhendovsky stated that the extraordinary presidential elections scheduled for May 25 in Ukraine would take place in any case. "Despite the uneasy situation in the east, nothing can disrupt the expression of people's will," he told local media in an interview.
He added that the legislation allows considering elections as valid even if they really took place only at one ballot station. In addition, the head of Ukraine's election committee expressed hope that the situation in the country's south-east would be solved in the nearest time.
[Source: Ria Novosti, Geneva, 06May14]

Ukraine Unrest
This document has been published on 06May14 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.