The Donbas was built on coal but environmental sustainability will require a break from its past.
This publication presents results of a study conducted by the Eastern-Ukrainian Center for Civic Initiatives in cooperation with partner organizations from the Coalition of human rights organizations and initiatives “Justice for Peace in Donbas” with support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Office in Ukraine. The study is based on information collected during a monitoring visit to the territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions controlled by Ukrainian government, expert interviews and information received from the state authorities and open sources. Analysis of collected data shows multiple violations of social, labor and environmental rights, restricted possibilities for self-fulfillment available to local citizens, especially women, as well as lack of inclusiveness in economic institutes in the region. Authors of this report recommend a number of measures aimed to solve the key issues resulting from the coal industry’s activities and create conditions for gradual transition to renewable energy sources.