A/HRC/28/64/Add.1
United Nations
General Assembly
Distr.: General
27 January 2015
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Twenty-eighth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on minority issues,
Rita Izsák
Addendum
Mission to Ukraine* **
Summary
The overwhelming majority of the minority and other representatives consulted by
the Special Rapporteur on minority issues during her visit to Ukraine described a history of
harmonious inter-ethnic and interfaith relations and a legislative, policy and social
environment that was generally conducive to the protection of their rights, including
cultural and linguistic rights. Nevertheless, minority issues have become highly politicized
as the situation of political and social unrest has emerged in some regions since February
2014. That threatens to create and widen fractures along national, ethnic and linguistic lines
and undermine peaceful coexistence if not quickly resolved. An end to violence and
constructive consultations on minority rights must be primary objectives for all
stakeholders.
The overall human rights and minority rights situation and the civil and political,
economic, social and cultural conditions experienced by minorities cannot justify any
violent action or incitement and support of such action by any party, national or
international. While there are challenges relating to minority issues, some radical elements
are intent on promoting and inciting disunity. It is essential to establish a process of
national and regional dialogue with the objective of understanding the concerns and issues
of all minority communities and ensuring that they are addressed appropriately and rapidly
* The summary of the present report is being issued in all official languages. The report itself,
contained in the annex to the summary, is being issued in the language of submission and Russian
only.
** Late submission.
GE.15-01100 (E)