The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the Ukrainian authorities to refrain from using “excessive force” against civilians.

According to Press TV, Navi Pillay said on Thursday that she was very concerned about the ongoing violence in Ukraine.

She also warned that authorities in Kiev must refrain from taking any discriminatory steps aimed at causing damage to peaceful citizens in conflict-hit pro-Russia regions.

Pillay said a human rights delegation was on a monitoring mission in Ukraine and would submit its report on the country’s situation in mid-June.

She also expressed hope that the UN mission would be able to mediate a breakthrough in the deadlock.

MG