In a significant press release, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers demanded that Russian authorities immediately apply Ukrainian law in Crimea and stop any administrative actions breaching the European Human Rights Convention. This includes the urgent release of all Ukrainian political prisoners and detained individuals, highlighting the plight of soldiers, ethnic Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and journalists unlawfully held.
The committee’s recent decision, part of supervising the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments, condemns Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 as a breach of international law. They assert the necessity for the immediate restoration of Ukrainian law in Crimea, as Russia extended its jurisdiction unlawfully, leading to grievous breaches of human rights.
The Committee outlined serious violations occurring during Russia’s occupation from 2014 through September 2022, which include torture, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances. Even with Russia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe, the country remains responsible for adhering to the Court’s judgments, creating a tension-filled atmosphere as the Committee notes Russia’s silence on the matter.
In their appeal, the Committee insisted that Russia must ensure the safe return of all political prisoners and halt all forms of ill-treatment, also allowing these individuals access to independent legal advice and necessary medical treatment. They called for the international bodies to be allowed to monitor the detainees’ conditions, with a clear demand to stop the transfer of prisoners from Crimea to Russia and to return those who have already been moved.
Furthermore, the Committee urged Russia to eliminate discriminatory practices against Crimean Tatars, preserving their educational rights and returning property unlawfully seized. They reiterated the importance of freedom of movement and called for cooperation with ongoing international investigations related to the situation in Crimea, appealing to all 46 Council of Europe member states to ensure adherence to these demands and accountability for international law violations.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe urges Russia to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea and release all political prisoners, including soldiers and journalists. They condemn the violations of the European Human Rights Convention since Russia’s annexation in 2014 and call for the cessation of discriminatory practices against Crimean Tatars. Despite Russia’s expulsion from the Council, they remain obliged to uphold court judgments and ensure prisoners have legal access and medical treatment.
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers is demanding immediate action from Russia regarding human rights violations in Crimea. Urging the restoration of Ukrainian law and the release of political prisoners, they condemn Russia’s actions since the illegal annexation of Crimea. By emphasizing the need for a halt to discrimination and the resumption of communication with international bodies, the Committee stands firm in protecting human rights through accountability.
Original Source: www.coe.int
