AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
MEDIA ADVISORY
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL TO MEET EUROPEAN UNION REPRESENTATIVES TO ENSURE HUMAN RIGHTS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE
(Brussels, 17 March 2013) The director of Amnesty International Ukraine, Tanya Mazur, will meet European Union (EU) representatives between Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 March to discuss the human rights situation in Ukraine. Following the recent dramatic developments in Kyiv, the Crimea and the Eastern Ukraine, Amnesty International reminds the Ukrainian authorities and the EU of the need for lasting solutions to long-standing human rights concerns in Ukraine.
Amidst heightened tensions between pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian groups in the east of Ukraine, and a history of flawed policing, there is a risk of increased human rights violations throughout the country. The organisation is calling for a strong human rights monitoring mission with open access to all parts of Ukraine, including Crimea.
Ms Mazur will meet representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Parliament (EP). She will also deliver a key note speech before the EP’s human rights committee (DROI) on Wednesday 19 March at 16:00.
Ms Mazur will emphasise the need to put the protection of people and human rights at the forefront of EU-Ukraine relations. The EU, in close co-operation with other international and regional organisations, should support and facilitate independent investigations into all allegations of violence (such as arbitrary and abusive use of force, including killings) committed during the past four months since protests started on 21 November 2013.
The international community, including the EU, should further support long-needed reforms in Ukraine, including the establishment of a mechanism enabling effective and prompt investigations of all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment by law enforcement officers.
Amnesty International has called on all parties in Ukraine to ensure human rights are respected at all times. This includes: respecting and protecting the rights to freedom of expression and assembly; ensuring that nobody is subjected to torture and other ill-treatment; and finding comprehensive solutions to all forms of discrimination. All security forces must be instructed to and must fully comply with international standards set out in the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact
Maeve Patterson
Media and Communications
European Institutions Office
Amnesty International
Tel: +32 (0) 2 548 2773
[email protected]
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