31^st session of the UN Human Rights Council

Agenda item 3

Clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur

in the field of cultural rights

Intervention by the Representative of Ukraine

March 10, 2016

Mr. President,

Let me commend the activities of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights and thank for the comprehensive report.

Ukrainian delegation fully agrees with the Special Rapporteur that cultural rights are transformative and empowering, providing important opportunities for the realization of other human rights. The lack of equal cultural rights makes it difficult for people to enjoy personal autonomy to exercise their civil and political rights and to enjoy their right to development.

To our great concern the situation in the occupied Crimea remains extremely dire - ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars continue to face systematic harassment and persecution. Along with the violations of fundamental rights and freedoms which became a routine on the peninsula, their cultural rights, including linguistic and religious rights, are restricted as well.

In this regard we would like to take this opportunity to ask Special Rapporteur to find possibility to visit the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in order to estimate the real situation on the peninsula concerning the observance of cultural rights.

We are grateful to Special Rapporteur for all the explorations undertaken over the past six years.

Thank you.