20/02/2022 09:11

Commissioner: disconnection of the Internet and mobile communication in ORLO violates the right of Ukrainian citizens to information

During the media monitoring, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine found out about the disconnection of the Internet and mobile communication in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region.

According to Lyudmyla Denisova, the actions of mobile operators violate the right of Ukrainian citizens to receive socially important information, especially in the current context of escalating armed conflict.

"Citizens must promptly receive information about the need and ways of evacuation, transportation, medical and psychological assistance. Disabling mobile communication will deprive citizens of the means of communication with their relatives and friends, so I urge to ensure the proper functioning of enterprises that provide communication services, "said the Ombudsman.

According to the representative of the Commissioner in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, citizens in ORDLO have started receiving SMS messages that their conversations will be recorded, and messages on Facebook and social messengers will be recorded.

"Such actions violate the provisions of Articles 8 and 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which guarantee the right to privacy and the right to freedom of opinion, receive and impart information and ideas without interference by any authority and regardless of borders." - Lyudmila Denisova emphasized

The Commissioner calls on the international community to respond to violations of the right of Ukrainian citizens to receive socially important information and to take immediate measures to force the aggressor state to stop the escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.