crossing the line of contact monitoring report€¦ · associated with crossing the line of contact...

CROSSING THE LINE OF CONTACT

MONITORING REPORT

August - September

2017

Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the IDP 2

ContentsINTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................3

1. METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................4

2. DEMOGRAPHICS OF RESPONDENTS.......................................................................5

3. RESIDENCE, DISPLACEMENT AND RETURN..........................................................7

4. FREQUENCY, DURATION AND REASONS FOR CROSSING.....................................8

5. CONCERNS WHILE CROSSING THE LINE OF CONTACT........................................11

6. INABILITY TO CROSS...............................................................................................13

OBSERVATIONS ......................................................................................................14

General observations ..........................................................................................14

Incidents....................................................................................................................15

RECOMMENDATIONS ..........................................................................................................16

Annex. EECP crossings during June-September 2017..........................................18

INTRODUCTIONThis report is based on the results of a survey conducted by the Charitable Foundation «The Right to Protection» (R2P) at the five Ukrainian entry-exit checkpoints (EECPs) to enter the non-government-controlled area (NGCA) administered on a regular basis since June 2017. The survey is a part of monitoring of violation 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 (UNHCR). The purpose of the survey is to explore reasons and concerns of those travelling between the NGCA and 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.

The report is based on the data collected during August-September 2017. This period is characterized by the end of the vacation season and beginning of the academic year. Having analysed the results of the previous period1, the approach to conducting the survey was adjusted in order to obtain more accurate data.

Tens of thousands of people cross the five operating EECPs every day. During the reporting period, the total number of daily crossings ranged from 28,000 to 50,0002.

Since the creation of official corridors for crossing the line of contact, their operation has raised a great number of complaints. The imbalance in the number of such corridors and EECP staff compared with the number of people wishing to cross the line of contact is obvious. This leads to numerous negative phenomena and significantly limits civilian freedom of movement.

Information about long lines, unsatisfactory equipment at the EECPs, corruption and other incidents appear regularly in the media and on social networks, inducing human rights advocates to conduct thorough monitoring of observance of the rights of the people crossing the line of contact through the EECPs. By observing the crossing processes and studying opinions of persons crossing the line of contact, R2P contributes to monitoring and improving the protection environment and increasing respect for civilians’ rights in the crossing process.

1 June-July Checkpoint report - http://vpl.com.ua/uk/materials/3752/ 2 The State Border Guard Service statistics - http://dpsu.gov.ua/

vpl.com.ua 3

Stanytsia Luhanska EECP

Advocacy, Protection and Legal Assistance to the IDP

1. METHODOLOGY

4

This report is based on a survey of persons crossing the line of contact at the five operating Ukrainian EECPs located in Donetsk (Maiorske, Marinka, Hnutove and Novotroitske) and Luhansk (Stanytsia Luhanska) Oblasts. The information collected during the survey is supplemented with observations conducted at each EECP. This round of the survey was carried out from 1 August to 29 September 2017.The data was collected during regular visits to each of the five EECPs on a weekly basis during August and September (43 and 40 visits respectively).The data collection methodology was the same at all EECPs. R2P monitors surveyed civilians queuing at the EECPs. The survey was conducted anonymously and on a voluntary basis. All the persons interviewed for the survey were informed about its purpose. The survey was conducted in the form of personal interviews with people aged 18 and above. The monitors approached every fourth person in line with a request to complete the survey. If a person refused to participate in the survey, monitors proceeded to survey the next fourth person in line. The monitors reached people waiting to cross the EECPs in pedestrian and vehicle lines3. People travelling both to and from the GCA took part in the survey. It is noteworthy that there was no established proportion of interviewees depending on the crossing direction due to the fact that R2P monitors had limited access to people waiting to cross from the NGCA at some EECPs4. At three EECPs (Hnutove, Marinka and Novotroitske), the monitors have gained access to the line of persons waiting to cross at the Ukrainian EECP from the NGCA side only from 8 September 2017.

3 Considering that currently Stanytsia Luhanska EECP is open only for pedestrian crossing, all the respondents interviewed at that EECP were from the pedestrian line. There were some restrictions in access to the vehicle line at Maiorske EECP. Consequently, most respondents interviewed at this EECP were from the pedestrian line. People from both types of lines were interviewed at the other EECPs (Hnutove, Marinka and Novotroitske).4 Before 8 September, R2P monitors had access to individuals waiting in lines from the NGCA side crossing into the GCA at Maiorske and Stanytsia Luhanska EECPs only.

Along with the survey, R2P monitors observed EECP infrastructure, waiting conditions and other details related to the crossing process. Nevertheless, at all EECPs the monitors had no access to check the situation and waiting conditions beyond the Ukrainian EECPs. The monitors also noted incidents that took place at the EECPs. Such information is also included in the report.To get a better understanding of trends and tendencies regarding crossing the line of contact, information from state services (data from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine) and external public reports (produced by respective NGOs) was used.

Maiorske EECP

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2. DEMOGRAPHICS OF RESPONDENTS

During the reporting period, R2P monitors surveyed a total of 5,095 persons crossing the line of contact. The comparison with the June-July reporting period shows that the demographic profile of the respondents is relatively stable. Women between the ages of 40 and 65 were the largest group of respondents to have crossed the EECPs during both periods.

NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS BY EECP / TOTAL NUMBER OF CROSSINGS BY EECP2

AGE DISAGGREGATION

GENDER

June-July

August-September

June-July

August-September

6,3%

62,5%

6,3%

63,7%

18-25

Female Male

27,5%

38,5%

26,2%

37,3%

25-40

43,8%

47,1%

40-65

22,5%

20,6%

65 +

Hnutove

Maiorske

Marinka

Novotroitske

Stanytsia Luhanska

238 000

533 000

514 000

1 061

673

946

1 157

973

526 000

466 000


The number of surveyed individuals is approximately proportional to the overall number of crossings at each EECP. In this regard, only 673 persons were interviewed at Hnutove, which is the least busy EECP, as opposed to 1157 persons surveyed at Marinka EECP, which remained the busiest EECP during the reporting period.

Almost half of the respondents were travelling from the NGCA to the GCA (44.5 per cent). Such proportion of the respondents travelling in different directions is caused by the fact that the surveyors had limited access to people waiting to travel from the NGCA (near EECP operational zone from NGCA direction).

5 According to the Temporary Order on control of movement of People, Transport Vehicles and Cargo along the Line of Contact in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts («Temporary Order») - ssu.gov.ua/ua/pages/326 Respondents in the «other» category also included two respondents who accompanied individuals entitled to expedited crossing, one person with 4 children and one immobile person.

DIRECTION OF CROSSING

RESPONDENTS ENTITLED TO EXPEDITED CROSSING

Hnutove

Maiorske

Marinka

Novotroitske

Stanytsia Luhanska

specific needs

elderly

pregnant

children under 3

other

32,7%

40,1%

3,9%

30,0%

0,6%

36,7% 63,3%

29,6% 70,4%

96,6% 3,4%

78,6% 21,4%

23,3% 76,7%to NGCA to GCA

13.1 per cent of the respondents were travelling with children. 4.2 per cent were persons with specific needs. According to the Temporary Order5, people who accompany children under 3 years old, elderly persons, women with visible signs of pregnancy and persons with specific needs are allowed to bypass the checkpoint line and cross ahead of others. However, R2P monitors report that a number of people are not aware of this preferential procedure and that there is no information about this procedure displayed at the EECPs. State Border Guard Service officials at Novotroitske and Marinka EECPs regularly check the lines for people entitled to expedited crossing. Less than 14 per cent of respondents stated that they belonged to a category entitled to the simplified crossing procedure, with the following breakdown by category6:

vpl.com.ua 7

6,5%

42,6% 50,9% Moved several times but did not return

Moved but then returnedMoved once and still residing at initial displacement location

DISPLACEMENT

3. RESIDENCE, DISPLACEMENT AND RETURN81 per cent of the respondents stated that they were permanently residing in the NGCA while 18.7 per cent – in the GCA at the time of the survey (0.3 per cent of respondents did not respond to this question). It is important to mention that such proportion is obviously caused by the fact that people in the NGCA have limited access to state and banking services and have to travel to the GCA for these purposes.The predominant majority of respondents (92 per cent) indicated the NGCA as their place of residence prior to the conflict. 22.5 per cent of all the respondents stated that they had changed their place of residence due to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine at least once. Almost half of them (42.6 per cent) ultimately returned to their original place of residence.

32,6% 21,7%

58,6%

16,1% 1,0%

High rent Оther Stabilized situation Work Negative attitude of the host community

REASONS FOR RETURN

Stabilization of the situation at the former place of permanent residence was cited as the main reason for returning by 58.5 per cent of the interviewed returnees. This speaks to the fact that some IDPs moved only temporarily during the more intense phases of the conflict. High rent is the second common reason for returning (32.5 per cent). Impossibility of finding a job in the new locality was mentioned by 16 per cent of respondents. The majority (70.5 per cent) of respondents who did not manage to find a job were between the age of 25 and 40. It is noteworthy that women returned due to unemployment more often than men (55.1 per cent of women to 44.9 per cent of men). 21.6 per cent of the returnees referred to other reasons, including the wish to reside at home (75.4 per cent of «Other»), care for a relative (15.9 per cent), and fear of losing their housing in the NGCA (8.7 per cent). Only 1 per cent of returnees (5 persons) indicated a negative attitude on the part of the host community as the reason for returning.


FREQUENCY OF CROSSING THE LINE OF CONTACT

FREQUENCY OF CROSSING BY AGE

4. FREQUENCY, DURATION AND REASONS FOR CROSSINGThe majority of respondents (46.6 per cent) cross the line of contact through EECPs at least quarterly, whereas 35.7 per cent - monthly or more frequently. 4.9 per cent of those surveyed cross the line of contact weekly or more frequently. At the same time, 2 per cent of respondents were crossing the line of contact for the first time.

The majority (49.2 per cent) of respondents who cross the line of contact less than once every 6 months mentioned «visiting relatives» as the main reason. On the other hand, «work» was the reason for 73 per cent of respondents who cross the line of contact on a daily basis.There is also a difference in the frequency of crossing depending on age (which is similar to the responses in the previous period). Thus, 44 per cent of the interviewed individuals over the age of 65 stated that they crossed the line of contact monthly or more often, and 50 per cent from the same category cross quarterly or more often. Such frequency of crossing for this age category can be attributed to the requirements imposed by Ukrainian legislation for obtaining pensions and targeted financial assistance, such as verification of actual place of residence and physical identification. The frequency of crossings for those aged between 18 and 25 ranges from daily crossing (1 per cent) to crossing every six months or less (24.4 per cent), as well as first-time crossing (3.5 per cent).

0,4%

4,9%

35,7%

Daily

Weekly or more

Monthly or more

46,6% Quarterly or more

10,5% 6 months or rarely

2,0% For the first time

18-25

25-40

40-65

65+

24,4%

29,7%

36,8%

44,0%

10,0%

8,8%

36,7%

39,5%

50,4%

50,0%

24,4%

18,0%

7,7%

Daily Weekly or more often Monthly or more often

Quarterly or more often 6 months or rarely For the first time

vpl.com.ua 9

DURATION OF PREVIOUS CROSSING

REASONS FOR CROSSING IN AUGUST-SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH JUNE-JULY

7 The question is related to the previous crossing instead of the current crossing as respondents are surveyed during the crossing process. For this reason, it is impossible to indicate the time spent on the current crossing. Checkpoint disaggregation by duration of crossing is unavailable. As the dates of the mentioned crossings are also unavailable, it is not appropriate to compare answers to this question between the two reporting periods.

June-July August-September

As for the time spent crossing the line of contact7 (all the lines of control by the Ukrainian and de-facto authorities on the GCA and NGCA sides respectively), almost half of the respondents stated that it had taken about 3-4 hours, almost a forth – 1-2 hours. Only 1.4 per cent of respondents stated that they had spent 1 hour or less crossing the line of contact. Less than 4 per cent of respondents stated that they had spent over 6 hours crossing, ranging from 7 to 12 hours.

1,4%

23,9%

47,4%

23,4%

3,6% 0,3% 1 hour or less 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9 hours or more

visit

ing

rela

tives

with

draw

ing

cash

shop

ping

chec

king

on

prop

erty

issue

s with

do

cum

ents

med

ical

tr

eatm

ent

educ

atio

n

othe

r

perm

anen

t re

loca

tion

wor

k

49,7

%30

,5%

14,3

%

12,8

%

9,2%

19,4

%

1,5%

1,2%

32,9

%

0,4% 2,

3%

19,3

%

22,7

%

11,7

%

26,3

%

2,0%

1,5%

7,1%

0,2% 3

,0%

Considering the tendency of respondents during the previous reporting period to indicate the reason for the whole trip regardless of the crossing direction, the option «Returning home after a trip» was added to the «Other» response. As a result, «Other» became the most frequent answer during the August-September reporting period as indicated by 28.6 per cent of the respondents. As a result, «Other» became the most frequent answer during the August-September reporting period (32.9 per cent) with dominant mentioning of returning home after a trip (28.6 per cent of all respondents). Reasons for crossing differ significantly for persons crossing the line of contact depending on the


8 The percentage was calculated based on the total number of persons crossing in one direction – either to the GCA or to the NGCA.

direction with the exception of «visiting relatives», which is common for both groups. Those crossing into the GCA mainly mention issues with documents, withdrawing cash and shopping, while persons crossing into the NGCA indicate checking on property and returning home after a trip to the GCA (as an option under «other») as the main reasons. Reasons for crossing largely depend on the respondent’s age. In particular, respondents between the

visit

ing

rela

tives

with

draw

ing

cash

shop

ping

chec

king

on

pro

pert

y

issue

s with

do

cum

ents

med

ical

tr

eatm

ent

educ

atio

n

wor

k

perm

anen

t re

loca

tion

othe

r

38,9

%

0,3%

0,5%

0% 0,2%

0% 0,1%

0,1%

5,8%

3,5%

3,9%

3,9%

17,4

%

3,2%

44,5

%

4,5%

12,7

%

14,5

%

4,4% 5,

9%

31,4

%

0,6%

0,6%

29,9

%

17,8

%

12,0

%

9,7%

19,6

%

1,5%

0,9%

1,2%

33,4

%32

,7%

1,8%

42,3

%

2,9%

16,6

0%

22,7

%

11,2

%

36,0

% 18-25 25-40 40-65 65+

REASONS FOR CROSSING BY AGE

ages of 18 and 25, 25 and 40, 40 and 65 travel more to visit their relatives, while persons over 65 cross the line of contact predominantly to solve document-related issues and/or withdraw cash. Education was mentioned as one of the reasons only by individuals between 18 and 25, while checking on property is common among persons aged 25-40.It should also be noted that 40.7 per cent of the respondents visiting relatives stated that they had lived together before the conflict.Among the respondents who mentioned documentation as the reason for crossing, the most common

REASONS FOR CROSSING BY DIRECTION8

to GCA to NGCA

visit

ing

rela

tives

with

draw

ing

cash

shop

ping

chec

king

on

prop

erty

issue

s with

do

cum

ents

med

ical

tr

eatm

ent

educ

atio

n

othe

r

perm

anen

t re

loca

tion

wor

k

36,6

%25

,4%

7,5%

7,0% 1

2,2%

8,4%

0,7%

0,5%

51,5

%

0,2% 2,0%

22,8

%

20,0

%

5,3%

33,1

%

2,4%

2,0%

9,7%

0,6% 2,

7%

vpl.com.ua 11

TYPE OF DOCUMENTATION ISSUE

14,8% 5,6% 5,9%

receiving pension card

pension IDP certificate othersocial payments

documentation issues were related to pension cards and pensions (57 and 59 per cent respectively). The proportion of the indicated types of issues is similar to that of the previous reporting period.With regard to those individuals who were crossing the line of contact for shopping, the surveyed

individuals indicated food (82.7 per cent) over clothes or medicine. At the same time, the number of respondents who cross the line of contact for purchasing medicine has increased by 13 per cent in comparison with the previous reporting period.

56,5% 59,3%

TYPE OF GOODS PURCHASED


food medicines clothes

83,8% 82,7%

33,5% 46,5%

31,0% 28,8%


As for abuse of power, only 14 respondents mentioned this concern (1 per cent). Respondents mostly complained about physical and verbal abuse (4 cases of each) at Stanytsia Luhanska, Maiorske and Novotroitske EECPs. No cases of corruption were mentioned by respondents. Among other issues, respondents complained about additional unexplained inspections (of personal belongings, documents and phones) and confiscation of food items that are not listed as goods allowed for transportation across the line of contact. No cases of abuse of power were reported at Hnutove and Marinka EECPs. Only one respondent expressed concern about SGBV during crossing the line of contact. It was a woman between the ages of 18 and 25 at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP who crossed the line of contact for the first time. No cases or complaints on SGBV were reported by respondents.

Long lines remain the biggest concern9, especially among people who were surveyed at Maiorske and Stanytsia Luhanska checkpoints. It is noteworthy that the number of complaints about long lines increased by 9.1 per cent among respondents at Maiorske EECP, which can be attributed to the gradual increase in the number of people crossing this particular checkpoint in August and September. At the same time, the number of complaints at the other EECPs decreased, which can be attributed to a number of joint measures taken by the state authorities and humanitarian actors (in particular, increased number of staff, modules and equipment, and enhanced communications at EECPs).Inadequate waiting conditions remain one of the biggest issues, though the level of concern decreased slightly. In this regard, it is important to mention a significant difference between August (20 per cent) and September (11 per cent) which can be attributed to the changing weather as well as ongoing activities on the part of the authorities and humanitarian agencies aimed at improving waiting conditions at the EECPs. Concerns related to transportation remain at Marinka and Novotroitske EECPs, which can be explained by inconvenient bus routes10. The level of concern regarding shelling/shooting decreased significantly compared to the previous reporting period.

9 The respondents could choose several options.10 See Observations.

Novotroitske EECP

5. CONCERNS WHILE CROSSING THE LINE OF CONTACT

vpl.com.ua 13

lines

tran

spor

t

wai

ting

cond

ition

s

shel

ling/

shoo

ting

expl

osiv

e re

mna

nts

of w

ar

abus

e of

po

wer

othe

r

no p

robl

em

58,2

%

4,0%

3,7%

33,0

%

19,4

%

11,1

%

37,1

%

21,3

%

9,3%

74,2

%23

,7%

23,5

%

0,2%

0,3%

0,1%

0% 0,1

%

6,9%

39,4

%

0% 0%

6,2%

34,4

%

0,1%

0% 0%

2,4%

52,8

%

2,5%

2,8%

18,2

%

18,2

%

7,2%

6,7%

0,6%

0,6% 2,3%

2,2%

26,2

%30,5

%

lines

tran

spor

t

wai

ting

cond

ition

s

shel

ling/

shoo

ting

expl

osiv

e re

mna

nts

of w

ar

abus

e of

po

wer

SGBV

othe

r

no p

robl

em

62,7

%

5,0%

3,3%

39,8

%

3,7% 7

,0%

39,9

%

6,3%

3,8%

64,9

%25

,9%

38,5

%

40,6

%

39,1

%41

,8%

0% 0,5

%

2,1%

16,5

%

1,8%

0,3%

0,3%

15,8

%

0,1% 1,

7%

0,1%

0,1%

0% 0% 0% 0%

6,5%

0,2% 1,3%3,

1%7,

1%

15,5

%

13,8

%

26,5

%

22,5

%

8,6%

13,1

%

2% 2,7

%4,7%

Hnutove Maiorske Marinka Novotroitske Stanytsia Luhanska


CONCERNS BY CHECKPOINT (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017)

CONCERNS BY CHECKPOINT (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017)


lines

tran

spor

t

wai

ting

cond

ition

s

shel

l/sho

ot

expl

osiv

e re

mna

nts

of w

ar

abus

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po

wer

SGBV

othe

r

no p

robl

em

34,1

%

4,8%

3,5%

3,5%

2,3%

0,3%

0,6% 1,0%

51,4

%

50,8

%

13,8

%

15,6

%

2,9%

0,4%

0,3%

10,4

%

22,8

%

49,6

%

11,7

% 16,6

%

2,7%

0,8%

0,2%

0%

10,4

%

31,5

%

0%

40,9

%

9,0% 1

3,6%

3,5%

0,7%

0,4%

0,1% 2,

7%

41,0

%

CONCERNS BY AGE

18-25 25-40 40-65 65+

The analysis of concerns by age cohorts demonstrated a clear trend – the process of crossing the line of contact causes more difficulties for elderly people. Only 22.8 per cent of the respondents in the 65+ age group did not mention any concerns. By contrast, 51.4 per cent of the respondents in the 18-25 age group stated that they had not faced any problems.

Among the inadequate waiting conditions, the most articulated concern was shelter. Respondents complained about the insufficient amount of sun/rain shades or their poor condition. The majority of «other» answers include complaints about the weather, which are also related to the lack of shelter. According to the respondents’ answers, the problem of insufficient number of toilets or their poor conditions worsened at Stanytsia Luhanska, but slightly improved at Hnutove and Maiorske checkpoints. The number of complaints about access to water decreased in comparison with the June-July reporting period. Respondents also pointed out the poor condition of the bridge near Stanytsia Luhanska EECP.

vpl.com.ua 1597

,5%

87,9

%

64,3

%

90,7

%

84,3

%97,3

%

97,0

%

71,1

%

74,1

%

9,8%


Hnut

ove

Hnut

ove

Hnut

ove

Hnut

ove

Hnut

ove

Hnut

ove

Mai

orsk

eM

aior

ske

Mai

orsk

e

Mai

orsk

eM

aior

ske

Mai

orsk

e

Mar

inka

Mar

inka

Mar

inka

Mar

inka

Mar

inka

Mar

inka

Nov

otro

itske

Nov

otro

itske

Nov

otro

itske

Nov

otro

itske

Nov

otro

itske

Nov

otro

itske

Stan

ytsia

Lu

hans

kaSt

anyt

sia

Luha

nska

Stan

ytsia

Lu

hans

ka

Stan

ytsia

Lu

hans

kaSt

anyt

sia

Luha

nska

Stan

ytsia

Lu

hans

ka

0,5%

0%

WAITING CONDITIONS

SHELTER

WATER

MEDICAL AID

TOILETS

GARBAGE

OTHER

14,9

%

34,7

%

9,5%

1,3%

43,5

%

6,1% 8,1%

2,2%

57,1

%

0%

15,4

%

37,1

%

9,5%

10,7

%

6,5%

5,0% 9,0%

1,0%

1,0%1

2,0%

8,1%

4,8%

2,7% 7,

4%

2,0%

1,5% 1

1,6%

1,0%

0% 0% 0%

26,6

%

9,3%

0% 0%

2,0%

1,0%

1,0% 3,0% 6,

5%

8,0% 9,3%

21,4

%

2,7% 6,1%

80,4

%

30,4

%

2,1%


6. INABILITY TO CROSS4.4 per cent of all the respondents mentioned incidents of not being able to cross the line of contact in the past six months. Among the most reported reasons were: crossing permit not being listed in the database (54.1 per cent), long lines (28.0 per cent) and lack of documents (15.6 per cent). It is noteworthy that only 1 person of those who had not been able to cross the line of contact mentioned crossing suspended due to shelling, which correlates with the low level of this concern (see the previous chapter). There was a significant increase in the number of persons who mentioned permit not being listed in the database in August-September in comparison with June-July. On the other hand, there was a considerable decrease in the number of persons who indicated long lines and closed EECPs due to shelling as reasons for being unable to cross the line of contact. At the same time, it is important to remember that the answers cover a 6 month timeframe, which is longer than the reporting period.

REASONS FOR INABILITY TO CROSS

EECP closed due to shelling

Long lines

Other

Lack of documents

Crossing permit not being listed in the database

Unjustified refusal

Carriage of forbidden goods/over 75kg

0,5%

28,0%

0,9%

15,6%

54,1%

0,5%

0,5%

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OBSERVATIONSIn addition to the survey, R2P monitors conducted protection monitoring by observation at all five EECPs.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONSThe number of persons crossing the EECPs increased in August due to the summer holiday season and the enrolment period at educational institutions, but decreased to some extent in September2. Marinka remains the busiest EECP, Hnutove – the least busy. On 1 September, EECPs switched to autumn schedules - working from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., which reduces the EECPs’ capacity to some extent.

It is still impossible to apply for a crossing permit at EECPs Novotroitske, Hnutove, and Stanytsia Luhanska despite such a possibility being stipulated in the amended Temporary Order for crossing the line of contact (as an alternative to applying for a permit via the Security Service of Ukraine website). This issue has become more urgent due to the recent impossibility of prolonging permits which were originally registered via e-mails at Russian-owned web domains (mail.ru etc.)11. Thus, queues at the Coordination Group in Starobilsk, Luhansk Oblast increased 3-4 times in size during August. To avoid long queues, heat and permit application procedure, some IDPs (mainly from Luhansk Oblast) choose to travel to and from the NGCA through Russia. The presence of Coordination Group representatives would greatly simplify the procedure for obtaining/prolonging permits and eliminate the need to travel to a Coordination Centre or Group. It will reduce instances of persons being barred from crossing due to a lack of permit or permit expiration.

Hnutove EECP

11 Access to a number of websites with Russian domains was blocked according to a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.


Waiting conditionsWaiting conditions at the EECPs still have a number of problems: insufficient number of amenities or their inappropriate maintenance. The worst waiting conditions were observed at Hnutove EECP as it does not provide a sufficient amount of benches, shades and toilets, the latter being in a very poor condition.

The issue of a lack of, insufficient number, or poor condition of information stands at every EECP still affects people who cross the line of contact as they lack information about allowed goods, expedited crossing etc.

A lack of or poor quality benches and tents, potable water at the EECPs, especially in hot weather, worsens waiting conditions and leads to health deterioration of persons crossing the EECPs. As a result, the number of people requesting medical aid from medical staff, State Emergency Service and international organizations continues to increase.

CP Benches Sun/rain shade

Toilets Potable water

Sanitary water

Garbage bins

Infor-mation stands


!

!

!

! !

!

! ! !

! insufficient amount poor condition/inappropriate maintenance sufficient and proper

Marinka EECP

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Maiorske EECP

The unsatisfactory condition of the bridge near EECP Stanytsia Luhanska causes additional difficulties in crossing the EECP, particularly for persons with limited mobility, and also creates a risk of injury. Representatives of the State Emergency Service assist persons with limited mobility in crossing the EECP on the GCA side with wheelchairs. Nevertheless, the wheelchairs often break due to frequent usage and, most of the time, only two out of four wheelchairs were available, limiting the assistance. Representatives of the State Emergency Service are present at all EECPs and provide assistance to people crossing the line of contact. Ambulances or doctors are present at all EECPs except for Hnutove, which is the least busy in terms of crossing volume. It should be mentioned that there have been some positive developments. Information stands were installed at EECPs Marinka and Maiorske by the programme «Advisor of the Ministry of Social Policy on IDP issues» in mid-September. The stands contain information on the EECPs’ operating schedules, the Temporary Order for crossing the line of contact, list of allowed items, information about obtaining a crossing permit, IDP certificates, pensions, biometric passports, etc. In addition, the OSCE SMM installed a tower with cameras at Maiorske EECP. Additional sun/rain shades, a tent and benches were installed at Maiorske EECP in September. Shades, benches and garbage bins and bins for plastic bottles were installed at Stanytsia Luhanska. An additional garbage bin was placed at Marinka EECP. The respondents also highly appreciate mobile offices of Oschadbank at Maiorske and Novotroitske EECPs (operating on a schedule).


ProblemsR2P monitors identified the following problems at the EECPs:• Lack or poor condition of sun/rain shades, benches, toilets, water, garbage bins, tents;• Lack of lighting under the shades, which is more relevant with the decreasing amount of daylight; • Lack of information on crossing procedures, bus timetables, and operating humanitarian

organizations;• Deterioration of information stands under the influence of weather conditions (rain, wind);• Lack of direction signs, especially at Hnutove EECP, which causes confusion for the people crossing;• Impossibility to apply for a permit to cross the line of contact at EECPs Novotroitske, Hnutove,

Stanytsia Luhanska due to the absence of Coordination Group representatives; • Some inconvenient bus routes (not taking passengers to the EECPs directly, but leaving passengers

approximately 400-800 meters away from EECPs Maiorske, Marinka and Novotroitske); • Lack of wheelchairs (only two are available) for assisting persons with limited mobility at Stanytsia

Luhanska EECP;• Poor condition of the bridge near EECP Stanytsia Luhanska;• Extremely limited types of goods allowed for transportation through the EECPs;• Risk of limited medical assistance at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP due to the expiring contract of the

ICRC doctor working at the EECP;• Lack of possibilities to buy food near EECPs, which causes inconvenience for persons who encounter

long waiting times to cross;• Placement of potable and sanitary water in open air, which causes either high or low water

temperature depending on the weather. The issue will worsen during the coming cold season.

Marinka EECP

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Maiorske EECP

R2P received information about hostilities in the vicinity of the EECPs. However, this does not exclude the possibility that additional unreported hostilities occurred. Unlike the previous reporting period, no victims were reported. Gunfire took place near Stanytsia Luhanska EECP at night on 3 September. No victims or damage were reported.Hostilities took place in the vicinity of Maiorske EECP on 10 September. The EECP suspended operation for half an hour in the morning to minimise the risk of casualties.

Issues relating to transportation of goods through the EECPs were reported in August and September.1. During the monitoring visit at Maiorske EECP on 22 September, R2P staff received complaints regarding not being allowed to cross with food items not listed as items permitted for transportation through the line of contact (according to Order #3912 by the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs). The items are typical goods for everyday life: tea, coffee, mushrooms, grapes, honey, etc. The State Fiscal Service staff refused to comment on the reasons for not allowing such items through the line of contact. R2P community assistants did not observe similar practices at the EECPs during subsequent monitoring visits.2. In early August, representatives of the State Fiscal Service at Marinka EECP informed a man that he would be able to transport an office chair, but the following day, the man was not allowed to cross with the chair as another representative of the State Fiscal Service claimed that transporting furniture was not allowed. 3. A man who needed to transport a sound system (cost exceeded the 10 thousand UAH limit) across the line of contact had totransport it in parts, crossing the line of contact several times on demand of the representatives of the State Fiscal Service.

12 Order #39 by Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs - http://zakon3.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/z0417-17

INCIDENTS


RECOMMENDATIONSTaking into account the results of the survey and observations, R2P considers the following actions necessary:

1. Oblast Administrations in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts should improve the EECPs’ infrastructure, namely to:

• Increase the amount of sun/rain shades, benches, garbage bins and water distribution points or improve their conditions and ensure proper maintenance;

• Consider providing lighting under sun/rain shades;

• Provide an appropriate number of toilets and ensure their proper maintenance (cleaning, providing soap and paper);

• Take measures for ensuring an appropriate potable water temperature at EECPs;

• provide clear information on bus timetables, crossing procedures, restrictions for crossing EECPs, operating humanitarian organizations, mine danger at all EECPs;

• Ensure sufficient number of direction signs at the ECCPs (Hnutove EECP in particular);

• Design information stands taking into account unfavourable weather conditions;

• Organize proper public transportation to and from EECPs (regular routes that deliver passengers directly to the EECPs);

• Consider the possibility of renovating the bridge near Stanytsia Luhanska EECP.

2. The Security Service of Ukraine and Anti-terrorist Centre should ensure the possibility for persons to apply for permits to cross the line of contact at all EECPs in accordance with the Temporary Order.

3. The State Emergency Service and other state entities, as well as NGOs should consider the possibility to provide more wheelchairs to assist persons with limited mobility at all EECPs, especially at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP.

4. State entities, NGOs and INGOs should disseminate information on the Temporary Order of Crossing the line of contact and Order #39 of the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs to minimize cases of inability to cross the EECPs due to a lack of documents, carrying in excess of the amount of transportable goods, etc.

5. The Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs should amend Order #39, replacing the list of allowed goods with a full list of prohibited goods instead.

6. Local authorities should ensure presence of a doctor at Stanytsia Luhanska EECP.


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ANNEX. EECP CROSSINGS DURING JUNE-SEPTEMBER 20172

49,1% 50,1%

50,9% 49,9%

Entry to NGCA Entry to NGCA

Exit from NGCA Exit from NGCA

NUMBER OF CROSSINGS BY CHECKPOINT IN JUNE-SEPTEMBER

CROSSINGS BY DIRECTION

August September

Hnutove

Marinka

Maiorske

Novotroitske

Stanytsia Luhanska

113 100

126 600

123 000

115 000

276 500

274 900

291 000

242 000

240 300

253 100

263 000

251 000

219 800

246 800

245 000

221 000

243 500

237 300

266 000

260 000

June

July

August

September

June

July

August

September

June

July

August

September

June

July

August

September

June

July

August

September

For more information please contact: [email protected]

crossing the line of contact monitoring report€¦ · associated with crossing the line of contact...

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