Donetsk, Apr 22 - DAN. The humanitarian programme for reunification of the Donbass people and support of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine was presented at the international forum “Russians’ Unity: Protection of Rights and Freedoms” in Donetsk on Thursday.

“The project was developed on the basis of the Donbass people reunification programme, which involved more than 76,000 residents over four years of its successful implementation,” said Donetsk People’s Republic Foreign Minister Natalia Nikonorova as she presented the document. “Most importantly, residents living in DPR areas temporarily controlled by Ukraine really need our support. They are happy and grateful to accept our help which is critically important to certain groups of people”

Welfare

The humanitarian programme envisions assistance to World War II veterans who require special care due to their age. Teachers of the Russian language, literature and history living in Ukraine are also entitled to help. Joint conferences, seminars and round table discussions are planned. The teachers will be paid for organising lectures and classes in the above disciplines. The programme includes a new group entitled to one-time payments, namely language discrimination victims who appealed to courts to protect their constitutional rights and freedoms.

Health Care

Special attention will be paid to the rehabilitation of former coronavirus patients. Assistance will be provided to people who recovered from moderate or serious forms of COVID.

Education

Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population will have the opportunity to get education in the DPR.

Labour Migration

Labour migration from Ukraine to the DPR will be encouraged. Those who wish to move to the DPR for permanent residence with the view of landing a job, are entitled to a temporary utility bill discount, effective for 12 months since the date of moving to the Republic.

Culture and Sport

The DPR will pay special attention to culture, research and sport events. It will help Ukraine-based Russian-speaking writers and poets publish their works. Organisers of the events to fete famous persons whose heritage belongs to the whole Russian socio-cultural space can also expect support from the DPR. Tours of historic sites in Ukraine, which are important to the Russian world, will be funded.

“The DPR Head has already approved the humanitarian programme by his decree, so we can officially say that it has been launched,” Nikonorova said.

In February 2017, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics announced a programme to support compatriots living in Kiev-controlled areas in Donbass. Its objective was to strengthen cultural, humanitarian and professional ties and provide social and public services in education, health care, welfare, culture, science and sport. In January 2021, the DPR announced at the international forum “Russian Donbass” that the programme would cover all Ukrainian regions.*jk