Ukraine Emphasizes Protection of Indigenous Rights and Condemns Repression by Russia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the country’s indigenous peoples, specifically Crimean Tatars, Karaites, and Krymchaks, who constitute an integral part of Ukraine’s historical and cultural identity.
These communities possess the right to preserve their ethnic and linguistic identity, religious traditions, and cultural heritage, as enshrined in national legislation and international agreements.
Currently, they are facing severe repression from the Russian occupation authorities, particularly in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea.
This repression manifests through mass arrests, torture, politically motivated sentences, bans on civil organizations, restrictions on the use of their native languages, and numerous searches in homes, mosques, and educational institutions.
Although smaller in number, the Karaites and Krymchaks, being unique indigenous groups, are increasingly disappearing from the occupied peninsula, losing opportunities to sustain their cultural practices.
The Russian authorities pursue a policy of forced assimilation, effectively aiming to eradicate the original ethnic communities.
The mass resettlement of Russian citizens to Crimea is accompanied by the displacement of indigenous residents, destruction of historical monuments, sacred sites, and cultural landmarks, which severely impacts the linguistic and cultural environment.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry actively engages with international organizations to highlight systematic violations of indigenous rights committed by the occupying power, initiating diplomatic, political, and legal measures globally, including within the UN, OSCE, and the Council of Europe.
A notable achievement is the re-election of Ukrainian delegate Suleiman Mamutov to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for 2026–2028.
One of the key international tools for defending Ukraine’s indigenous peoples is the International Crimean Platform—a diplomatic initiative prioritizing human rights, including those of indigenous communities.
Ukraine calls on the global community to condemn Russia’s repressive and discriminatory policies against indigenous peoples, support relevant international efforts, and ensure legal consequences for the occupation state.
On this day, Ukraine expresses solidarity with all indigenous nations continuing their struggle for rights, especially amidst war, occupation, and persecution.
Protecting indigenous rights is fundamental to achieving fair peace, international security, and regional stability.