KYIV. June 8 (Interfax-Ukraine) – A number of non-governmental organizations continue to seek the abolition of resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 365 dated June 8, 2016, which introduced a mechanism for exercising control over social and pension payments to internally displaced persons.

A relevant lawsuit was lodged in August 2016 with the District Administrative Court of Kyiv by the 'Right to Protection' Charitable Foundation, Donbas SOS and others. The court will begin consideration of the case per se only on June 13, 2017.

"We cannot silently agree that someone unilaterally decides whether we have the right to receive our legally earned pension or not. For a year now we have demanded that the government repeal resolution No. 365," legal analyst of the 'Right to Defense' Charitable Foundation Olena Vynohradova said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

In addition, citizens file lawsuits against the territorial directorates of labor and social protection of the population and offices of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. As of mid-May 2017, there are already over 60 court rulings in favor of internally displaced persons against discriminatory provisions of resolution No. 365.

Yulia Tralo, Legal Assistance Coordinator for the 'Right to Protection', noted that the termination of social and pension benefits guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine based on subordinate regulations or even letters of recommendation is a violation of the Constitution and laws.

Coordinator for Legal Assistance of the 'Donbas SOS' NGO Olha Hvozdiova said that the mechanisms introduced by the resolution are not only discriminatory and contradict the law, but also cannot be implemented in practice. Consequently, it creates unnecessary strain on social workers and contains corruption risks.