The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) published its findings following the review of the Russian Federation’s periodic report. The document reaffirms that obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights extend to all territories under the effective control of an occupying state. Consequently, the Committee explicitly held Russia responsible under international law for the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea.

CESCR noted that Russia’s armed aggression has led to widespread violations of economic, social, and cultural rights in these territories, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure, disruptions in basic services, and damage to cultural heritage. The Committee emphasized the obligation of an occupying power to fully implement the Covenant, even during armed conflict.

Particular attention was given to the coercion of individuals to accept Russian citizenship. The Committee documented systematic barriers to employment and entrepreneurial activity, where access to public sector jobs or business permits on occupied Ukrainian territories is conditioned on illegal “naturalization.” CESCR called on the occupying state to immediately remove such discriminatory requirements in territories under its effective control.

In the area of property rights, the Committee highlighted reports of illegal confiscations of private property and forced evictions of ethnic Ukrainians. CESCR demands that the occupation authorities ensure prompt and effective investigations, return unlawfully seized property to its rightful owners, and provide adequate compensation in cases of demolished housing.

The Committee also noted restrictions on access to medical care through the so-called “passport filter,” where healthcare services are effectively tied to holding a Russian passport. CESCR insists on unconditional and non-discriminatory access to healthcare.

The harshest assessments concern cultural rights and education. The Committee documented attempts by the Russian occupation regime to enforce forced assimilation, including the removal of the Ukrainian language from the educational process, rewriting history curricula, and restricting the use of national symbols and practices that enable participation in cultural life. Russia is required to guarantee education in native languages, ensure free use of languages and cultural practices, and refrain from any measures aimed at depriving people of their cultural identity.

CESCR’s findings once again confirm that the Russian occupation regime systematically violates human rights and international law in the occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. Ukraine will continue to utilize international legal mechanisms to hold Russia accountable, restore the rights of victims, and protect national cultural identity.