A/HRC/28/64/Add.1 IV. Minority rights in the context of political and social unrest in 2014 19. The situation of political and social unrest in some regions since February 2014, while having minority rights dimensions, is distinct from the general minority rights situation in Ukraine. Evidence suggests that the concerns of minorities, primarily over language and cultural rights, following the Euromaidan movement and the new Government taking power in February 2014, have been unduly escalated to create a situation of high tension and conflict. The presence and activities of far-right, ultranationalist “self-defence” groups and unidentified illegal armed actors have created anxiety and inflamed tensions in several locations. The Special Rapporteur does not consider that they represent or speak for most persons belonging to minorities or the majority of the Ukrainian people, and they should not be allowed to influence political, social or economic decisions via force or coercion. 20. The role of informal, unofficial and sometimes illegally armed groups, including in the events in the occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and the unrest in eastern and southern Ukraine leading to the takeover and occupation of some buildings and towns have been prominent and highly destabilizing. It is essential to quickly re-establish the rule of law and the role of legitimate law enforcement actors and for all non-official groups to be disarmed and dispersed. Where any individuals involved in such groups are alleged to have committed or incited crimes, they must be prosecuted according to the law. 21. Several interviewees complained about worsening economic conditions, corruption, unemployment and the lack of good governance, which they considered to have contributed to grievances, political instability and a general distrust of politicians and political structures. It is essential to consider the wider economic and political dimension of the current situation and to implement measures to guarantee equality, social and economic rights and combat corruption and mismanagement of resources, as a means to increase trust in political leadership. The reality or perception of inequality in access to resources or distribution of resources, also involving geographical imbalances, as well as partisan politics and political patronage serve to undermine stability and create ethnic, linguistic, and geographic fault lines. 22. Ethnic Russians consulted in Donetsk, Kyiv and Odesa strongly expressed their views that the Euromaidan movement represented an explicit anti-Russian agenda with potential implications for their future rights and security. Some stated concern over the role of far-right and Ukrainian nationalist groups including the All-Ukrainian Union “Svoboda” (Freedom) and “Pravyi Sektor” (Right Sector), that have openly expressed anti-Russian and anti-Semitic sentiments and have nationalist agendas. It is evident that dialogue between the Government and ethnic-Russian groups in eastern and southern Ukraine is weak, while it is essential to build confidence that minority rights guarantees will be put in place and respected. The Special Rapporteur notes the poor election results of far-right and allegedly anti-Russian parties in the May 2014 elections.14 23. The Special Rapporteur was not provided with evidence that anti-Russian sentiment was widespread. There have been few incidents of discrimination, harassment or abuse of individuals or groups on the basis of their Russian identity in Kyiv or other localities. Russians and ethnic Ukrainians frequently stated that their relations remained good. Incidents of intercommunal violence were extremely rare or non-existent in most localities at the time of the Special Rapporteur’s visit. However, in the current situation of conflict in 14 8 Right Sector and Svoboda received just 0.9 per cent and 1.3 per cent of the vote, respectively.