Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) by a majority has adopted a comprehensive resolution on the rights of Crimean Tatars living in Russia-occupied Crimea.
The resolution “Human rights violations committed against Crimean Tatars in Crimea” was supported by 73 delegates, with 17 against and two abstained during a vote held on Wednesday, June 23.
“The Assembly strongly condemns the ongoing temporary occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine – the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol – by the Russian Federation, and reaffirms the non-recognition of its annexation,” the document said.
Releasing of political prisoners
PACE called on Russia to immediately release all persons detained and imprisoned with violations and abuses of Russian law on the peninsula, which is contrary to international law.
Killings, abductions, inhuman treatment
The Assembly notes that the Russian occupation regime's reprisals against Crimean Tatars include killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment. All this is being done by Russian security forces using illegal and unfair legal procedures.
Repressions against human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists
The work of journalists and the freedom of expression and assembly have also been unjustifiably restricted. The constant, disproportionate pressure placed on Crimean Tatars and human rights defenders working on their behalf creates a climate of fear and hostility.
The Assembly expressed deep disappointment over the fact that these violations are the result of the application in Russia of Russian legislation to combat terrorism and extremism, which is also a violation of international law.
In particular, such violations of international law by the Russian regime run counter to the use of international human rights mechanisms and instruments, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
PACE delegates also called on Russia to ensure full and unhindered access to Crimea for representatives of international and regional human rights organizations in order to monitor the human rights situation on the peninsula as a territory of Ukraine which is temporarily occupied.
Lifting of the ban against Mejlis and its representatives
The resolution urged for the removal of the ban against Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (QTMM) and the lifting of the ban on entry to Crimea against the leader of the Crimean Tatars Mustafa Dzhemilev and the Chairman of the Mejlis Refat Chubarov. It also called Russia to respect the right to peaceful assembly and association.
UN resolutions
The PACE urged the Russian authorities to implement the UN General Assembly resolution, as well as other international legal decisions to end the occupation and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity.
