Standpoint on the consideration of humanitarian issues of Ukrainian citizens residing in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in the course of negotiations

Ukrainian citizens living under temporary occupation are an extremely vulnerable population. Recent news about a possible ceasefire in the russian–Ukrainian war has come alongside contradictory messages from partners: “territory swaps,” lifting of sanctions, and a neutral, non-aligned status as possible concessions from Ukraine. At the same time, there is no mention anywhere of considering the interests of Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories.

Representatives of civil society organizations have articulated a joint standpoint calling for humanitarian issues of residents of the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine to be considered in the course of negotiations. They urge all parties to the negotiation process to take into account the interests of Ukrainian citizens living in the TOT and believe that the demands put forward by representatives of the Ukrainian authorities should not only be voiced but also enshrined in peace agreements or other documents to be signed between the parties.

russia is actively seeking to prolong the war, imposing its citizenship in the temporarily occupied territories, destroying the ties of the TOT residents with Ukraine, and committing crimes against the civilian population.

The organizations emphasize that only the full de-occupation of Ukraine’s territory will lead to the reinstatement and protection of the Ukrainian citizens’ rights. However, while the occupation persists, the occupying power must ensure adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law. Therefore, ensuring basic conditions for the residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine must form an integral part of the negotiations with russia on ending the war, including, among others, the following:

‭• The release of all civilians detained by representatives of the russian federation’armed forces or by the occupation authorities in the TOT of Ukraine, and the return of Ukrainian citizens deported to the russian federation, including children;

‭• The cessation of russian federation’s practices of enforced disappearances, unlawful detention, and the criminal or administrative prosecution of Ukrainian citizens in the TOT of Ukraine;

‭• The determination of a temporary demarcation line and the set-up of humanitarian corridors;

‭• The provision of humanitarian access by the russian federation for international organizations to Ukraine’s TOT;

‭• The cessation of the practice of imposing russian federation citizenship;

‭• Ensuring unimpeded access for Ukrainian citizens residing in the TOT of Ukraine to medical services, social and pension benefits, education, the exercise of property rights, and freedom of movement.

The full text of the Standpoint can be found below: