The US State Department has called on Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to stop human rights abuses, while at the same time appealing to the Ukrainian Government to investigate cases of human rights violations that were referred to in a recent UN report.

This was stated by Deputy Spokesman of the State Department Mark Toner during a daily briefing on Friday.

"We once again call on the so-called authorities in the separatist-controlled areas to cease their human rights abuses, including killings, tortures, ill treatment, illegal detention, forced labor, as well as restrictions on freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, and expression. We also call on them to allow access to UN observers, the mandate of which covers the whole territory of Ukraine, including the Crimea and the eastern part of the country,” Toner stated.

"And at the same time, we urge the Government of Ukraine to ensure a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation and appropriate prosecution of all persons responsible for the alleged incidents of abuses perpetrated by its forces referred to in the UN report," the Deputy Spokesman added.

  USA, Ukraine, Donbas, human rights violations

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