Fact Check: Human rights activists warn of risks for Ukrainians under occupation due to new citizenship law
What We Know
On June 18, 2024, Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, adopted law №11469 concerning multiple citizenship. This law allows Ukrainian citizens to hold foreign citizenship without losing their Ukrainian nationality, a significant shift from the previous single citizenship policy mandated by Article 4 of the Ukrainian Constitution (Gwara Media). However, the law has drawn criticism from human rights activists, particularly regarding its implications for Ukrainians living in occupied territories.
Alona Lunova, head of the Human Rights Centre ZMINA, highlighted that the new law poses risks for individuals in occupied areas, especially those who may be compelled to interact with occupying authorities. The law stipulates that holding a Russian passport—deemed a terrorist state by Ukraine—can result in the loss of Ukrainian citizenship (Gwara Media). Furthermore, individuals forced to work for Russian occupation authorities or those who are mobilized could also face citizenship revocation (Gwara Media).
The explanatory note accompanying the bill indicates an intention to facilitate the return of Ukrainians displaced by the ongoing conflict, but it simultaneously raises concerns about the potential for punitive measures against those in occupied territories (Gwara Media).
Analysis
The claim that human rights activists are warning of risks for Ukrainians under occupation due to the new citizenship law is substantiated by multiple sources. The statement from the Human Rights Centre ZMINA explicitly outlines the dangers posed by the law, particularly for residents of temporarily occupied territories (TOT) (Crimea HRG). The organization argues that the law's provisions could lead to unjust loss of citizenship for those coerced into compliance with occupying forces.
Moreover, the law's provisions regarding Russian citizenship are particularly contentious. The Ukrainian government’s stance against recognizing Russian citizenship acquired in occupied territories is consistent with international norms, which do not recognize documents issued under occupation (Crimea HRG). However, the law's implementation could inadvertently punish those who are forced into situations beyond their control, such as being mobilized or coerced into working for the occupying government.
The reliability of the sources cited is strong, as they come from established human rights organizations and credible news outlets reporting on the legal and humanitarian implications of the law. The concerns raised are echoed by various human rights advocates, indicating a consensus on the potential negative impact of the legislation on vulnerable populations (ZMINA, Amnesty International).
Conclusion
The claim that human rights activists are warning of risks for Ukrainians under occupation due to the new citizenship law is True. The evidence presented from credible sources highlights significant concerns regarding the law's potential to endanger the citizenship status of individuals in occupied territories, particularly those who may be forced to interact with occupying authorities or who hold Russian passports. The law's implications for human rights and legal protections for these individuals warrant serious consideration and further scrutiny.
Sources
- Ukraine's Parliament adopts law on multiple citizenship criticized by human rights activists
- STATEMENT on the risks of the draft law on multiple citizenship
- The risks of the loss of Ukrainian citizenship for residents
- Get a Passport or Leave: Russia's Ultimatum to Ukrainians
- Human rights in Ukraine
- The President's draft law on citizenship will lead to violations of the rights of people in occupation
- World Report 2024: Ukraine
- UN report details 'climate of fear' in occupied areas
