Oct 05, 2015

Crimean Tatars: CoE Parliamentary Assembly Discusses Human Rights in Occupied Crimea


On 30 September 2015, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg hosted a round table to discuss human rights violations in Russian-occupied Crimea. Ukrainian MP Volodymyr Ariev emphasized that all articles of the European Convention on Human Rights are being violated and drew attention to the growing pressure on the peninsula’s indigenous population. With Russian authorities cracking down on intellectuals and activists opposing the occupation, Crimean Tatars are left with no other option but to leave.  Mr Ariev took the opportunity to call upon the EU to support Ukraine in its efforts  to “defend democratic values and the rights of citizens” in Crimea.

Below is an article published by World Bulletin / News Desk

The issue of occupied Crimea was brought to attention at Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe current session in Strasbourg late Wednesday.

According to Ukraine's delegation head - the Ukrainian MP Volodymyr Ariev - Crimean Tatars, the indigenous people of the peninsula, are being forced out of their homeland by Crimea's Russian administration.

"They (Crimean Tatars) are left with no choice but to leave the Crimea. Although, it doesn't happen in very obvious ways, Russian authorities use less open ways. Constant pressure often makes people flee. All those who disagree with annexation are forced out," Ariev said.

Delegation also presented several reports about violations of human rights, abuse of Crimean Tatars, harassment of intellectuals and activists opposing Russian occupation.

"While Crimea is occupied, human rights there will be violated further. We found violations of almost all articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

"Ukraine is now almost single-handedly trying to defend democratic values and the rights of citizens in their temporarily occupied territory, and a matter of honor for the European community - to join in this work and to support Ukraine," he added.

Photo Courstesy of World Bulletin