16 It is confirmed by the appeals to the Commissioner’s Office – more than 47,000 persons claimed having suffered violations of their rights, of which 63% suffered violations of civil rights and 24%, social and economic rights. In addition, such violations were also detected through 2,300 monitoring visits and inspections. This situation shows that the social crisis is accelerating, and a new challenge – overcoming the pandemic of coronavirus infection and its consequences – can exacerbate it. Against the background of the nationwide response to COVID-19, new manifestations of intolerance and discrimination have emerged in Ukrainian society. An example is the reaction to the return of our citizens to Ukraine and their observation. Protests in Vinnytsia, Novi Sanzhary and spontaneous actions in other cities of Ukraine are caused by the ignorance of citizens about the rights and freedoms of others and the general poor awareness of population. The implementation of the priority strategic direction of the activities of the national human rights institution 2020 - namely, large-scale awareness raising – will increase legal awareness of the population of Ukraine on human rights and freedoms and will prevent the manifestation of various forms of discrimination in society. In 2019, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights was accredited with status A – the highest status of compliance with the UN Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions on the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). The institution of the Commissioner was recognized as a legitimate, reliable, relevant and effective institution that protects and promotes human rights at the national and regional levels. The afore-mentioned status entitles the Commissioner to the annual meetings of the Global Network of Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the United Nations Human Rights Council for the next five years. Together with my team, I will continue to exercise parliamentary scrutiny over the observance of the constitutional human rights and freedoms of citizens in 2020. Everyone who needs protection of their rights and freedoms will receive it. The activity of the public authorities of Ukraine of all levels, institutions and organizations regardless of the form of ownership should focus not only on serving the interests of society, but first be compliant and respect human rights and freedoms of citizens. Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova Kyiv, March 2020