A/HRC/28/64/Add.1
implementation of human and minority rights standards. The possibility for IDPs to
return voluntarily to their places of origin with assurances for their security should
remain a key objective.
79.
It is essential to begin a process of national dialogue with the objective of
understanding the concerns and issues of all communities and ensuring that they are
addressed appropriately and rapidly. Moderate voices must come to the fore. First
and foremost, solutions to the current situation must come from the Ukrainian people
themselves. That must be achieved through decision-making processes that are
inclusive and which respect diversity and political structures that ensure the
participation of all, including minorities.
80.
Hate speech and incitement to hatred, hostility or violence targeted at any
person or group must not be tolerated. Political and community leaders should be the
first to condemn any such statements and to send a clear message that they will be
treated as criminal acts, punishable by law. Those elements on any side engaging in or
inciting violence or hatred must be prosecuted. They should have no role in shaping
the future of Ukraine, nor should they be allowed to impose their will through the use
of violence or force. All non-official and illegally armed groups should be disarmed
and disbanded.
81.
Freedom of expression, assembly and the right to protest peacefully must be
protected even in times of political unrest and must only be restricted under
exceptional circumstances. All relevant authorities must uphold those rights for all.
Violent protest, the forced or armed occupation of public buildings or territories, the
formation of armed militia groups and activities to intimidate, threaten or coerce are
not legitimate in a democratic society and should be addressed according to the law
and international standards.
82.
The Special Rapporteur notes that all journalists should be free to conduct
their work in safety and without threat of detention or violence and that the freedom
of the media must be protected. Censorship of media should be used only as a last
resort and any restrictions on the media and freedom of expression must be
legitimate, proportionate and in conformity with international standards.
Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned over media coverage that
was frequently cited as misrepresenting the situation and serving to fuel tensions.
Governments and media outlets have a responsibility to convey information
accurately and objectively and to avoid any propaganda or misinformation which
may incite unrest or violence.
83.
The rights of religious minorities are protected in practice. However, given the
climate of political and social unease, it is particularly necessary for the authorities to
guard against any human rights violations, including against Crimean Tatars and
members of Jewish communities. Acts of anti-Semitism, hate speech, violence,
intimidation, threat or abuse targeted at individuals or groups based on their religion
or belief must not be tolerated. All relevant authorities have an obligation to act
swiftly to protect all religious groups in all localities, their places of worship,
monuments and burial sites, particularly during periods of heightened tension, and to
prosecute the perpetrators of violations against them.
84.
The Special Rapporteur was struck by the many actors who have demonstrated
national unity, solidarity and dialogue across different population groups to ensure a
peaceful resolution to the crisis. Different faith and community groups have reached
across religious and ethnic divides to offer support and assistance to those affected by
the current situation, including those who have been displaced, and some of those with
different political views have sought reconciliation. Political, religious and community
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