Make a donation
Укр / Eng

Category: News

16.06.19

Today we present the report ‘Crossing the line of contact’ for May 2019. It is based on data collected during  visits to the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) in May 2019. More statistical data can be found on the Eastern Ukraine Checkpoint Monitoring Online Dashboard.

▪ In the GCA three elderly persons died while crossing the contact line in May (2 of them died at Marinka and 1 at Maiorske EECP). Preliminary information suggests that the causes of death in all these incidents were related to heart diseases.

▪ Due to the temperature increase and stuffiness under the sheds, the number of people fainting at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP continues to grow (7-10 persons per day).

▪ The water supply issue at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP remains unsolved. Continuous lack of potable water at the EECP is especially acute due to the weather changes.

▪ Since May 13 SBGS servicemen at Marinka EECP are required to manually fill the tickets for passing the EECP in addition to checking the permits for crossing the contact line. It significantly slows down the crossing procedure.

▪ SBGS at Stanytsia Luhanska continues to restrict the movement of people who are charging elderlies and persons with impaired mobility for transporting them through the EECP. Due to the restrictions these people have to walk a great distance themselves.

▪ The SBGS representatives received instructions to ensure the expedited crossing of schoolers from the NGCA who are travelling through the contact line to pass the External Independent Testing.

The document can be downloaded in English and Ukrainian.

16.06.19

Today we present the report ‘Crossing the line of contact’ for May 2019. It is based on data collected during  visits to the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) in May 2019. More statistical data can be found on the Eastern Ukraine Checkpoint Monitoring Online Dashboard.

▪ In the GCA three elderly persons died while crossing the contact line in May (2 of them died at Marinka and 1 at Maiorske EECP). Preliminary information suggests that the causes of death in all these incidents were related to heart diseases.

▪ Due to the temperature increase and stuffiness under the sheds, the number of people fainting at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP continues to grow (7-10 persons per day).

▪ The water supply issue at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP remains unsolved. Continuous lack of potable water at the EECP is especially acute due to the weather changes.

▪ Since May 13 SBGS servicemen at Marinka EECP are required to manually fill the tickets for passing the EECP in addition to checking the permits for crossing the contact line. It significantly slows down the crossing procedure.

▪ SBGS at Stanytsia Luhanska continues to restrict the movement of people who are charging elderlies and persons with impaired mobility for transporting them through the EECP. Due to the restrictions these people have to walk a great distance themselves.

▪ The SBGS representatives received instructions to ensure the expedited crossing of schoolers from the NGCA who are travelling through the contact line to pass the External Independent Testing.

The document can be downloaded in English and Ukrainian.

31.05.19

Yesterday, May 30, presentation of the CF “The right to protection” report “Assessment of the conditions of crossing LoС through EECР” was held at the Protection Cluster regular meeting in Kyiv. CF “The right to protection” was represented by legal analyst Daria Dmitrenko and date-manager Ruslan Romaniv.This monitoring was carried out by the Charitable Fund «Right to Protection» (R2P) under the project “Provision of Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Eastern Ukraine” which is implemented by R2P with the financial support of the European Commission, within the framework of civil protection and humanitarian assistance of the European Union within the ACCESS consortium.Daria Dmitrenko commented on the results of the work: “The purpose of the study was to assess the conditions and the results of the rearrangement of the EECP, launched in August 2018. The results of the travelers survey on 2 EECPs, where rearrangement has been completed, show significant positive developments. However, often the urgent needs of citizens crossing the LoC through the EECP are often not fully satisfied. Gaps in the regulatory framework and security risks create serious barriers for citizens to exercise their rights. CF “The right to protection” gives a detailed analysis of the conditions and recommendations for improving them on each EECP”.We see a high potential for improving the effectiveness of creating appropriate conditions at EECPs through regulatory harmonization of the following key aspects:
• legal status of EECPs
• procedure and amount of financing from the state budget
• designation of a single public authority responsible for the functioning of the EECPs.The findings of the study lead to the conclusion that the level of preparation, development and implementation of measures during rearrangement of the EECPs was high. However, conditions still do not fully meet the needs of travelers. In order to introduce further positive changes, CF “Right to Protection” considers it necessary to:
• perform a quality assessment of the needs of the people crossing the LoC through EECPs
• involvement of representatives of humanitarian organizations in the development of plans for the arrangement of EECPs
• monitoring the results of implemented measures.In the absence of direct transport options with NGCA, the issue of transport options between EECPs with settlements on GCA and the so-called “zero” checkpoints is problematic. In particular, the high cost of transport services, and their often low quality creates serious difficulties for travelers. In order to address this problem, CF “Right to Protection” recommends to:
• arrange, in accordance with common standards, bus stops/stations near EECPs, where there would be information available on schedules and routes of public transport
• create conditions for fair competition of licensed carriers, which would reduce demand for illegal activities
• review the cost of passenger transportation services from EECPs to “zero” checkpoints and to introduce their transparent charging.Stanytsia Luhanska EECP has remained the most loaded and, at the same time, least suitable for quality servicing of a large number of travelers during the last months. While conditions in the service area of the EECP are steadily improving, the most serious problem of this crossing point remains the ruined bridge across the Siverskyi Donets river. The situation can be improved through:
• repairing the destroyed bridge
• the opening of a new EECP in Luhansk Oblast, which would ensure the possibility of moving by car.Since EECPs are located on the contact line and a large number of people gather at them, they constantly become the object of provocation. There is a high risk of shelling. At the same time, the findings of this study show an overall low level of protection in the event of emergency situations. In most cases, shelters are in unsatisfactory state, and at some EECPs they are not available at all. This is also true of danger alarm systems. There are no evacuation plans and an available order of actions in the event of a threat to the life and health of citizens at any EECPs. CF “Right to Protection” recommends:
• arranging all EECPs with audible danger alarm systems
• equipping shelters of sufficient capacity for the large number civilians
• developing and placing information materials for travelers about order of actions in case of danger at EECPs

Please find reports  in attached.

ENG Assessment of the conditions of crossing Loc through EECP

UKR Оцінка умов перетину ЛЗ через КПВВ.

31.05.19
Yesterday, May 30, presentation of the CF “The right to protection” report “Assessment of the conditions of crossing LoС through EECР” was held at the Protection Cluster regular meeting in Kyiv. CF “The right to protection” was represented by legal analyst Daria Dmitrenko and date-manager Ruslan Romaniv.
This monitoring was carried out by the Charitable Fund «Right to Protection» (R2P) under the project “Provision of Multi-Sectoral Humanitarian Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Eastern Ukraine” which is implemented by R2P with the financial support of the European Commission, within the framework of civil protection and humanitarian assistance of the European Union within the ACCESS consortium.
Daria Dmitrenko commented on the results of the work: “The purpose of the study was to assess the conditions and the results of the rearrangement of the EECP, launched in August 2018. The results of the travelers survey on 2 EECPs, where rearrangement has been completed, show significant positive developments. However, often the urgent needs of citizens crossing the LoC through the EECP are often not fully satisfied. Gaps in the regulatory framework and security risks create serious barriers for citizens to exercise their rights. CF “The right to protection” gives a detailed analysis of the conditions and recommendations for improving them on each EECP”.
We see a high potential for improving the effectiveness of creating appropriate conditions at EECPs through regulatory harmonization of the following key aspects:
• legal status of EECPs
• procedure and amount of financing from the state budget
• designation of a single public authority responsible for the functioning of the EECPs.
The findings of the study lead to the conclusion that the level of preparation, development and implementation of measures during rearrangement of the EECPs was high. However, conditions still do not fully meet the needs of travelers. In order to introduce further positive changes, CF “Right to Protection” considers it necessary to:
• perform a quality assessment of the needs of the people crossing the LoC through EECPs
• involvement of representatives of humanitarian organizations in the development of plans for the arrangement of EECPs
• monitoring the results of implemented measures.
In the absence of direct transport options with NGCA, the issue of transport options between EECPs with settlements on GCA and the so-called “zero” checkpoints is problematic. In particular, the high cost of transport services, and their often low quality creates serious difficulties for travelers. In order to address this problem, CF “Right to Protection” recommends to:
• arrange, in accordance with common standards, bus stops/stations near EECPs, where there would be information available on schedules and routes of public transport
• create conditions for fair competition of licensed carriers, which would reduce demand for illegal activities
• review the cost of passenger transportation services from EECPs to “zero” checkpoints and to introduce their transparent charging.
Stanytsia Luhanska EECP has remained the most loaded and, at the same time, least suitable for quality servicing of a large number of travelers during the last months. While conditions in the service area of the EECP are steadily improving, the most serious problem of this crossing point remains the ruined bridge across the Siverskyi Donets river. The situation can be improved through:
• repairing the destroyed bridge
• the opening of a new EECP in Luhansk Oblast, which would ensure the possibility of moving by car.
Since EECPs are located on the contact line and a large number of people gather at them, they constantly become the object of provocation. There is a high risk of shelling. At the same time, the findings of this study show an overall low level of protection in the event of emergency situations. In most cases, shelters are in unsatisfactory state, and at some EECPs they are not available at all. This is also true of danger alarm systems. There are no evacuation plans and an available order of actions in the event of a threat to the life and health of citizens at any EECPs. CF “Right to Protection” recommends:
• arranging all EECPs with audible danger alarm systems
• equipping shelters of sufficient capacity for the large number civilians
• developing and placing information materials for travelers about order of actions in case of danger at EECPs

Please find reports  in attached.

ENG Assessment of the conditions of crossing Loc through EECP

UKR Оцінка умов перетину ЛЗ через КПВВ.

30.05.19

We often have questions about compensation for property destroyed/damaged as a result of armed conflict. This is understandable, as at the end of February 2019 only in Donetsk oblast there were over 12,900 such buildings.

Beyond these statistics and figures there are stories of Ukrainians, ordinary people. They lost their property, they were left without a roof over their heads.  Alexander Dotsenko, a resident of Krasnogorivka was one of them. He appealed for help to the Charity Fund “The Right to Protection” in August 2017. As it turned out, Alexander’s housing was destroyed during the bombing, he was in a place of compact residence. And his only hope to change something for the better is to get compensation for his formerly destroyed dwelling.

So, already on February 2, 2018, our lawyer had prepared a civil suit for collecting compensation from the State for the destruction of housing. May 16, 2018 Marinka District Court satisfied the plaintiff’s claims in full, however, the defendant filed an appeal. Already on September 5, 2018, the Donetsk Court of Appeal overturned the decision completely. So the next step of our lawyers was the submission of a cassation appeal and already on November 21, 2018, the Supreme Court opened the Cassation proceedings on this complaint. As of today, it has been suspended, before consideration by the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of another case regarding the recovery of compensation from the state for destroyed housing. What does this mean for those citizens who are trying to get compensation for their housing? It’s all very simple: we will have a decision of the Supreme Court, which can later refer to the lower courts.

P.S. Oleksandr Anatolievich already knows the monitors of the CF “The Right to Protection” who work at Marinka EECP, so he never loses the opportunity to communicate. He was able to communicate with other representatives of our Kyiv office: the President of the CF “Right to Protection” Alexander Galkin and the project manager Maria Aliekseenko, who are now visiting the regional offices of the CF “The Right to Protection” and the EECPs. Such visits are crucial for us  because it is impossible to understand the problems of those who turn to us for help, to draw a further scheme of action without such direct communication.

30.05.19

We often have questions about compensation for property destroyed/damaged as a result of armed conflict. This is understandable, as at the end of February 2019 only in Donetsk oblast there were over 12,900 such buildings.

Beyond these statistics and figures there are stories of Ukrainians, ordinary people. They lost their property, they were left without a roof over their heads.  Alexander Dotsenko, a resident of Krasnogorivka was one of them. He appealed for help to the Charity Fund “The Right to Protection” in August 2017. As it turned out, Alexander’s housing was destroyed during the bombing, he was in a place of compact residence. And his only hope to change something for the better is to get compensation for his formerly destroyed dwelling.

So, already on February 2, 2018, our lawyer had prepared a civil suit for collecting compensation from the State for the destruction of housing. May 16, 2018 Marinka District Court satisfied the plaintiff’s claims in full, however, the defendant filed an appeal. Already on September 5, 2018, the Donetsk Court of Appeal overturned the decision completely. So the next step of our lawyers was the submission of a cassation appeal and already on November 21, 2018, the Supreme Court opened the Cassation proceedings on this complaint. As of today, it has been suspended, before consideration by the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court of another case regarding the recovery of compensation from the state for destroyed housing. What does this mean for those citizens who are trying to get compensation for their housing? It’s all very simple: we will have a decision of the Supreme Court, which can later refer to the lower courts.

P.S. Oleksandr Anatolievich already knows the monitors of the CF “The Right to Protection” who work at Marinka EECP, so he never loses the opportunity to communicate. He was able to communicate with other representatives of our Kyiv office: the President of the CF “Right to Protection” Alexander Galkin and the project manager Maria Aliekseenko, who are now visiting the regional offices of the CF “The Right to Protection” and the EECPs. Such visits are crucial for us  because it is impossible to understand the problems of those who turn to us for help, to draw a further scheme of action without such direct communication.

20.05.19

Tens of thousands of people cross the five operating EECPs every day.This report is based on the results of a survey conducted by the Right to Protection CF (R2P) at the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) to enter the non-government controlled area (NGCA) and administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is a part of the monitoring of violations of rights of conflict-affected populations within the framework of the project «Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population of Ukraine» implemented by R2P with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The purpose of the survey is to explore reasons and concerns of those travelling from the NGCA to the government-controlled area (GCA), as well as conditions and risks associated with crossing the line of contact through EECPs. The information collected in the survey helps identify needs, gaps and trends, and provides an evidentiary basis for advocacy efforts.

April data:

▪ Marinka EECP was closed for five days due to the shooting on April 5. Red alert mode was imposed, all civilians were evacuated. One SBGS serviceman was wounded. Hnutove EECP was closed due to the reconstruction from April 5 to 8. As the two EECPs did not operate, lines at Maiorske and Novotroitske had increased.

▪ On April 23 during the road repair works an unexploded mine was found near PUI tent at Maiorske EECP. The EECP continued its operation, the mine was isolated and then removed from the EECP.

▪ Due to the temperature increase and stuffiness under the sheds, people at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP were fainting (up to 20 persons per week).

▪ By the end of the month monitors reported about the lack of potable water at Stanytsia Luhanska as the water tanks were not installed yet. Monitors at Marinka EECP noted the lack of technical water: sometimes the water pump cannot cope with the high demand.

▪ SBGS at Stanytsia Luhanska continues to restrict the movement of people who provide transportation between the GCA and NGCA checkpoints for persons with impaired mobility for a fee. Due to the restrictions these people have to walk a great distance themselves.

By observing the crossing processes and studying opinions of persons crossing the line of contact, R2P contributes to monitoring the protection environment and respect for civilians’ rights in the crossing process.

Download: EECP Report – April 2019

20.05.19

Tens of thousands of people cross the five operating EECPs every day.This report is based on the results of a survey conducted by the Right to Protection CF (R2P) at the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) to enter the non-government controlled area (NGCA) and administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is a part of the monitoring of violations of rights of conflict-affected populations within the framework of the project «Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population of Ukraine» implemented by R2P with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The purpose of the survey is to explore reasons and concerns of those travelling from the NGCA to the government-controlled area (GCA), as well as conditions and risks associated with crossing the line of contact through EECPs. The information collected in the survey helps identify needs, gaps and trends, and provides an evidentiary basis for advocacy efforts.

April data:

▪ Marinka EECP was closed for five days due to the shooting on April 5. Red alert mode was imposed, all civilians were evacuated. One SBGS serviceman was wounded. Hnutove EECP was closed due to the reconstruction from April 5 to 8. As the two EECPs did not operate, lines at Maiorske and Novotroitske had increased.

▪ On April 23 during the road repair works an unexploded mine was found near PUI tent at Maiorske EECP. The EECP continued its operation, the mine was isolated and then removed from the EECP.

▪ Due to the temperature increase and stuffiness under the sheds, people at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP were fainting (up to 20 persons per week).

▪ By the end of the month monitors reported about the lack of potable water at Stanytsia Luhanska as the water tanks were not installed yet. Monitors at Marinka EECP noted the lack of technical water: sometimes the water pump cannot cope with the high demand.

▪ SBGS at Stanytsia Luhanska continues to restrict the movement of people who provide transportation between the GCA and NGCA checkpoints for persons with impaired mobility for a fee. Due to the restrictions these people have to walk a great distance themselves.

By observing the crossing processes and studying opinions of persons crossing the line of contact, R2P contributes to monitoring the protection environment and respect for civilians’ rights in the crossing process.

Download: EECP Report – April 2019

14.05.19

This report provides the results of the survey conducted by the Right to Protection CF (R2P) with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at the five entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) to the non-government-controlled area (NGCA) in the first quarter of 2019. The data were collected during regular visits to each of the five EECPs (120 visits in three months). More statistical data are available on the Eastern Ukraine Checkpoint Monitoring Online Dashboard – https://goo.gl/Ab1qXs.

The survey has been administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is part of the monitoring of violations of rights of the conflict-affected population within the framework of the project «Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the Internally Displaced Population of Ukraine» implemented by R2P with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The objective of the survey is to explore the motivations and concerns of those traveling between the NGCA and the government-controlled area (GCA), as well as the conditions and risks associated with crossing the line of contact through EECPs.

Please download English and Ukrainian versions:

EECP Survey Report 1 quarter 2019 eng

EECP Survey Report 1 quarter 2019 ukr