Jul 08, 2013

UNPO XV PRESIDENCY RESOLUTION


Resolution on an International Forum on the Restoration of the Rights of the Crimean Tatar People in Ukraine

 

7 July 2013 Brussels



 In support of Ukraine conducting an International Forum on the restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people in their homeland, guaranteeing their security and development.

The Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of Crimea, are resurgent to their homeland after decades of enforced retention in exile, caused by the deportation of 1944 under the Soviet Union rule.


Taking into account the unresolved problem of restoring the rights of the Crimean Tatars in Crimea for more than two decades after their return to their homeland, we believe it is necessary to seek international support to help Ukraine in searching for a way to resolve the Crimean Tatar issue in Ukraine.

In order to assist Ukraine in resolving the problem of restoring the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People initiates the International Forum on the restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.

Two years ago the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People suggested holding an International Forum, this idea   received wide support from several European countries, the USA, Canada and Turkey. The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities has already developed and provided the   Ukrainian Government with the concept and activity plan for the International Forum.

We believe that this initiative, taken in timely and reasonable steps, shall aid the development of mechanisms and ways to resolve the complex issues of the resettlement and restoration of political, legal, socio-economic and cultural rights of the Crimean Tatars. We express our concern at the unjustified delay of the Ukrainian government in its decision making process regarding the format and dates of the Forum.

In support of the initiative of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Mr Knut Vollebaek, we therefore urge the international community to assist Ukraine in  conducting  the International Forum on the restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.

 

Full PDF of Declaration