Denisova at UN Human Rights Council speaks about price of Russian aggression in Ukraine

"Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and armed aggression in Donbas led to the violation of human rights, and above all the right to life: 10 thousand killed, tens of thousands wounded, 1.5 million internally displaced persons, who were forced to leave housing, work, property as a result of the conflict," Denisova said on Thursday.

The ombudsperson stressed that the occupation by the Russian Federation of a part of the territory of Ukraine, which formed 25% of GDP, had caused significant damage to the country's economy.

"Protection of the territorial integrity of a state requires an increase in security and defense spending. This limits the cost of ensuring economic, social and humanitarian rights. Economic reform programs influence the well-being of the population and have long-term consequences. Therefore, I support the recommendation of an independent expert on the need to conduct an assessment of the impact of the current and further policy of economic reforms in Ukraine on human rights,” she said.

Denisova noted that the status of a temporarily displaced person was discriminatory and she insisted on its abolition.

"My position is unequivocal - the Government must find a balance between defense spending and expenditures for implementing economic, social and cultural rights of citizens. And I think it will find it," she added.

Denisova also thanked the world community "for support and consolidated efforts, which will force the Russian Federation to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine."

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