UN report warns of growing violence in Ukraine

Moscow, May 16 (IANS/ITAR -TASS) A new report released by the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) Friday has warned of deterioration of human rights in eastern Ukraine, where separatists are fighting security forces.

The report describes "an increasing tendency in some critical urban areas for rallies of opposing groups to be held simultaneously, often leading to violent confrontations".

It noted that "in most cases, local police did nothing to prevent violence, while in some cases it openly cooperated with the attackers".

The report covers the period from April 2 to May 6.

It has given examples of violence in eastern Ukrainian towns of Severodonetsk, Donetsk, Mariupol, Kharkiv.

The report has deemed the May 2 Odessa incident which killed 48 people in clashes between football fans supported by right-wing militants with federalisation supporters, the most tragic in Ukraine till date.

"The government of Ukraine needs to carry out a prompt, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the violent events in Odessa," the report stated.

The unrest in Ukraine has claimed more than 250 lives and counting, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic said.

Simonovic highlighted the importance of respect for human rights in working towards the de-escalation of tensions in Ukraine.