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the draft law which would restrict the sectors under prohibition to those in
which a cessation of operation would disrupt the whole economy or threaten
national security or public order.
265. The Committee regrets the lack of data on the situation of children,
particularly orphans and those with disabilities, which may cause ineffective
monitoring of their enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights.
266. The Committee notes with concern that social services are not adequate
to ensure a minimum standard of living for the most vulnerable groups,
including pensioners, unemployed persons, persons with disabilities and
non-citizens.
267. Attention is called to the fact that the official minimum wage is far
below the level of the official poverty line. The Committee regrets the lack
of information on the extent to which inflation is taken into account in
determining the poverty line and the level of pensions or material assistance
provided to these groups.
268. The Committee recalls that fulfilment of the right to education
involves an obligation for the Government to provide free primary education
for all, including children with disabilities and children assigned to homes
or institutions. The Committee regrets the absence of information regarding
human rights education.
E.
Suggestions and recommendations
269. The Committee recommends that the international human rights instruments
to which Ukraine is a State party, including the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, be made fully applicable by Ukrainian
courts. Steps towards this end would include making the instruments widely
known so that the general public as well as law enforcement officials are made
aware of the rights contained therein.
270. The Committee recommends that, in its next periodic report, the
Government include detailed information on the mandate and operation of the
National Centre for Human Rights. Such information should include, in
particular, whether individual complaints of human rights violations may be
lodged with the Centre and whether its mandate includes the protection and
promotion of economic, social and cultural rights.
271. The Committee recommends that the civil status of repatriated members of
minorities, especially the Crimean Tatars, be regularized as soon as possible.
It recommends that steps be taken immediately to reintegrate them fully into
the region and to guarantee their rights to work and to an adequate standard
of living, as defined in articles 6 and 11 of the Covenant. The Committee
recommends that every effort be made in order to obtain international
assistance towards this end.
272. The Committee recommends that specific legislative measures be taken to
prohibit all forms of gender-based discrimination and that efforts be made,
including through the educational system, to promote awareness and