This decree is the next step of the fast-track “passportization” process that Russia put in place for residents of occupied territories of Ukraine since February 2022. Those who hesitate to apply for a Russian passport quickly fall under the scrutiny of the occupation authorities. As in Crimea after the Russian occupation in 2014, they can expect to endure threats and face discrimination, including in accessing medical care or social services. The occupation authorities hold lists of “unreliable” persons, which includes those who have not registered to receive social payments or have not applied for a passport.
According to Kseniya Kvitka, an assistant researcher, for months, Russia has been promoting its reconstruction efforts in the city of Mariupol, which has suffered considerable destruction from the war. However, Liudmila, a resident whose apartment was badly damaged during fighting in March 2022, said that money and materials for repair works are only given to the owner if they can present a Russian passport. This puts civilians in occupied territories in a vulnerable position since an occupation power is obligated to comply with international humanitarian law. The occupying power does not acquire sovereignty over the occupied territory and must generally respect the laws in force. Civilians in occupied territories retain all the protections provided by international law, and cannot be compelled to renounce their rights.
As a result, Russia has international legal obligations to ensure that everyone’s rights in occupied territory are protected. This obligation includes providing security along with economic and social welfare. However, Russia’s actions in occupied Ukraine suggest that it is trying to extend its territorial reach beyond recognized international borders to the detriment of civilians who live within these borders. Russia has previously used this tactic when it annexed Crimea in 2014 and now it is again using it in Ukraine.
Furthermore, the decree is a clear violation of the international law and falls under the coercive category of Human Rights violations. The International Human Rights Law prohibits states from exercising coercion in an attempt to make individuals join another state against their will. The authorities must, therefore, respect and fulfill the right to nationality, the prohibition of arbitrary deprivation of nationality, and the prohibition of coercive deprivation of nationality. Therefore, the Ukrainian government should take action to protect the rights of its citizens who live within its borders, and the international community should ensure that human rights violations in Ukraine are brought to the forefront of international discussions.
In conclusion, the recent decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin is an attempt to further Russia‘s territorial ambitions at the expense of vulnerable civilians living within Ukraine‘s recognized borders. The decree resulted in the coercion of Ukrainian citizens to adopt Russian nationality or face deportation from their homes. This is a violation of international law, and the international community should hold Russia accountable for its actions and protect the rights of civilians living within Ukraine. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government should actively work to ensure that its citizens are not subjected to human rights violations and that their rights are fully protected.
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