IDPs, Minorities, and Eastern Ukraine
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Minorities in Eastern Ukraine
Kevin Lass – Primary Article Contributor
Martin Eidenberg – Team Leader following Ukraine
Keywords: Ukraine, Donetsk, internally displaced persons, minorities, nationalism, paramilitary groups
With increased fighting in Ukraine, early evidence of a humanitarian crisis has emerged within the eastern provinces of the country. For instance, pro-Kiev volunteer battalions have hampered food and medical aid from reaching areas in conflict regions. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy, the number of IDPs since fighting began has risen to 942 000 as of January 26, most of which include children, elderly, disabled, women, and minorities. These displaced groups remain in the provinces near and within the conflict, including the eastern city of Kharkiv and government-controlled territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Ukrainian Government has reserved half a billion hryvias (US $30.9 million) to assist IDPs.
In recent months, humanitarian organizations had minimal access to regions controlled by anti-government forces. UNHCR spokesman William Spindler maintained that citizens unable to flee their homes were not receiving the necessary help required for daily life. Living conditions have been expected to further deteriorate for five million civilians in rebel-controlled areas, in part due to the suspension of public services such as education, basic health care, and social payments. These measures by the Ukrainian government were enacted to prevent funds from being taken by armed opposition groups.
In Donetsk, an area with a long history of persecution, life for ethnic and religious minorities has become increasingly dangerous over the past year. A combination of far right-wing Ukrainian nationalist paramilitary groups and pro-Russian separatists has posed a considerable threat to the prospects of liberal democracy in the region. For instance, the Right Sector Ukrainian nationalistic political party gained popularity following the November 2013 Euromaidan protests. Despite winning an electoral seat in the Vasylkivka Raion region, this organization has been largely responsible for attacks against Vietnamese civilians. Many other minorities, including Jews, Greeks, Azerbaijanis, Georgian’s, and Tatars, have felt under threat and considered leaving. When pro-Russian separatists first took control of Donetsk, leaflets from the separatist authorities were distributed demanding that Jewish citizens register themselves and pay an additional tax. Ultimately, these alarming cases of discrimination have threatened the democratic outlook in the eastern provinces.
Overall, there is a growing risk of social and economic instability in eastern Ukraine. With the state already deeply in debt, Kiev has been unable to allocate sufficient funds to solve many issues facing IDPs and minority groups. Prime Minister Yatsenyuk noted that Russia’s military aggression and occupation in the east has been a primary contributor to the 20 percent contraction of Ukraine’s national economy. IDPs do not have the same job security and access to shelter as prior to the conflict. As a result, the lack of economic growth in war-torn eastern Ukraine has created an unstable environment for investment.
