Local authorities and the police in Kharkiv (north-eastern Ukraine), have failed to put in place sufficient safety measures in advance of the first-ever Pride event in the city, KharkivPride March, on 15 September 2019. The marchers were attacked by counter-protesters, and some participants were chased down, beaten and otherwise injured by members of groups advocating discrimination and systematically engaging in violence. The local authorities failed in their duty to ensure that everyone was able to enjoy their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly during the Pride event, without discrimination and fear of reprisals.
