Crimean Tatars: EU Delegation to Ukraine Condemns Human Rights Violations
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ukraine declared that the rights of Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated in an attempt to to repress the culture, traditions and identity of ethnic minorities in the region. They particularly focus on the detention of political prisoner Uzeir Abdullayev, asking for medical assistance as his health condition is deteriorating in jail.
This article has been published by Ukrinform:
The EU Delegation to Ukraine continues to condemn all violations of rights of Crimean Tatars and is especially concerned about the state of health of Uzeir Abdullayev, who is held in Simferopol's detention center, according to the Facebook page of the Delegation.
In this regard, the EU Delegation recalled the Declaration by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU on the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (March 16, 2018), which notes, inter alia: "The rights of the Crimean Tatars have been gravely violated through the shutting down of Crimean Tatar media outlets, the banning of the activities of the Mejlis, their self-governing body, and the persecution of its leaders and members of their community. Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and all ethnic and religious communities in the peninsula must be ensured the possibility to maintain and develop their culture, traditions, education and identity."
According to the report, the EU calls for full compliance with international human rights standards in the peninsula. All pending cases of human rights violations and abuses, such as enforced disappearances, torture and killings should be thoroughly investigated. Full, free and unrestricted access for international human rights actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol, continues to be paramount. The EU recalls UNGA Resolution 72/190 of December 19, 2017, and calls for its full implementation, including the Russian Federation's obligations under applicable international humanitarian law.
