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259. At the same time, the Committee notes that a large number of individuals
who were deported in different parts of the former USSR are returning to their
places of origin in Ukraine and are seeking jobs and shelter. Solving these
problems puts further strain on resources at the disposal of the Government
and will demand special attention from the authorities.
260. Finally, it appears that the Government has been unable to establish
mechanisms for comprehensive data collection. The Committee notes that the
population data presented to it date back to a 1989 census and draws the
attention of the Government to the fact that such outdated or insufficient
data would not serve as a good basis for government policy.
D.
Principal subjects of concern
261. The Committee expresses its concern at the sharp decline of purchasing
power of the great majority of the population and the subsequent deterioration
of its standard of living due to the overall unfavourable evolution of the
economic situation in Ukraine.
262. The Committee calls attention to the difficulties experienced by members
of minority groups, including the Crimean Tatars, who were deported decades
ago and are now returning to resettle in Ukraine on the land of their
ancestors. The Committee considers that the failure to resolve the question
of citizenship for the Crimean Tatars is not in conformity with the State
party’s obligations under the Covenant. In particular, the Committee is
concerned that the consequent exclusion of such persons from certain social
indicators, such as those on employment and poverty, may deprive them of the
full enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights. In this
connection, it recalls the provisions of article 2 of the Covenant, which
states that the rights enunciated in the Covenant must be exercised without
discrimination of any kind as to, inter alia, national or social origin.
263. The Committee expresses grave concern at the lack of practical measures
aimed at creating adequate working conditions for women and at eliminating
discrimination against them. The Committee is concerned about the possible
discriminatory effects of imposing different retirement ages for men and
women, particularly in market economies where one’s standard of living and
professional fulfilment depend largely on one’s employment. In this light,
the current national debate in which the maintenance of varying retirement
ages is contemplated is a subject of concern. The Committee is concerned at
the violence perpetrated against women, the generally low professional
qualifications of women and their consequently high representation among
low-paid workers and the unemployed. In this connection, it considers that
the Government and the authorities as a whole have not made all necessary
efforts to understand and face the phenomenon of discrimination, by collecting
and analysing relevant data, by trying to eliminate the phenomenon through
legislative measures and education, and by providing protection to victims of
discrimination and violence against women.
264. The Committee is concerned at the excessive number of industries and
other employment activities in which organization of trade unions is
prohibited. Workers in civil aviation, communications and other sectors are
subject to such prohibition. In this connection, the Committee takes note of