Crimea: Russia accused by UN of violating human rights

Event

According to the latest UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) report released on Monday, September 25, Russia has committed a wide array of human rights violations in Crimea, including arbitrary arrests, torture, deportation of prisoners to Russia, and at least one extra-judicial execution. 

Additionally, Russia has reportedly crack downed on Ukrainian culture and influence; notably forcing civil servants to renounce their Ukrainian citizenship and unilaterally recognizing all Crimeans as Russian citizens. Education in the Ukrainian language has also all but disappeared.

The Turkic-speaking minority, the Tatars, have reportedly been subject to particularly discriminatory treatment with community leaders being subject to intimidation, detention, and house searches. 

Context

Investigators working on behalf of the UNHCHR conducted the report from mainland Ukraine as they were forbidden entry into Crimea. The report has been condemned by both Crimean and Russian officials as false and biased. Crimea, officially a Ukrainian peninsula, was annexed by Russia in March 2014 following the Euromaiden protests in Ukraine which led to the removal of the pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

The annexation of Crimea has not been recognized by the international community, and continues to be disputed by Ukraine.

Advice

Individuals in Crimea are advised to remain vigilant, to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and to avoid discussing sensitive political topics.