Mr. President,

Ukraine remains firmly committed to eliminating all forms of racial discrimination and guarantees the same rights and freedoms, and equality before the law for all its citizens regardless of race, ethnicity and language. Rich and diverse in cultural traditions, Ukraine had not experienced ethnic, national or cultural conflicts since it became independent. 

March 18, 2019, marked five years since Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea – five years of constant institutionalized violations of rights of Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians. Russian occupation authorities continue human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary politically motivated arrests and detentions. Last year only, there were 145 arrests, 75 detentions and 367 instances of infringement of the right to a fair trial documented in relation to Crimean Tatars inthe temporarily occupied Crimea. 

Self-governance of Crimean Tatars continues to be infringed upon by the occupying Power, despite the Order on Provisional Measures issued by the ICJ on 19 April 2017 demanding to lift the ban on the activities of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People.

The measures described in Russia’s letter to ICJ from 18 January 2019 demonstrate that Russia continues to defy brazenly the Court’s binding Order. Russia’s efforts to replace the Mejlis with a different body under Moscow’s control are entirely inconsistent with the Court’s Order.

The Russian Federation, as a party to the CERD, must abide by and strictly implement this decision by the ICJ and, as the occupying Power, respect the multi-ethnic nature of the Crimean population.

We reiterate our call on this Council to join Ukraine in demanding from Russia to comply with its international obligations. Russia shall be brought to accountability for its crimes committed in the occupied Crimea and Donbas.

I thank you.

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