The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has made a clarion call to Russia, demanding immediate restoration of Ukrainian law in Crimea. It urges the cessation of all administrative practices that infringe upon human rights, as per findings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Moreover, Russia must release all Ukrainian political prisoners, including detainees such as soldiers, ethnic Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and journalists, who have suffered due to these practices.
In its first decision regarding the Ukraine v. Russia case concerning Crimea, adopted during a quarterly meeting, the Committee highlighted that Russia’s 2014 annexation to its law in Crimea violated the European Convention. The appeal for reinstatement of Ukrainian law is underscored by a clear rejection of this annexation as a breach of international law, prompting the need for compliance with the Convention’s stipulations.
The judgement outlines numerous violations of human rights from Russia’s occupation of Crimea, spanning from February 2014 to September 2022. The Committee of Ministers condemned acts of ill-treatment, arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances, affirming that even post-expulsion from the Council, Russia remains accountable to execute ECHR judgments, voicing concern over its withdrawal from communication.
The Committee insists upon the immediate release and safe return of political prisoners to Ukraine and calls for an end to all torture and ill-treatment practices. It stresses access for these prisoners to medical treatment and legal counsel, advocating for the presence of independent bodies to monitor their conditions. Furthermore, it demands a halt to prisoner transfers from Crimea to Russia, ensuring that all those detained are returned.
Addressing broader issues, the Committee urged Russia to cease ethnic persecution of Crimean Tatars, ensure education rights in Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian, and to lift movement restrictions between Crimea and mainland Ukraine. Furthermore, it called for an end to property expropriations and the establishment of facilities allowing exit from Russian citizenship.
Lastly, the Committee enjoined Russia to engage with ongoing international inquiries, including national and universal jurisdiction allegations and investigations pending within Ukraine. The Committee of Ministers encouraged the 46 Council of Europe member states to explore ways to ensure compliance with ECHR judgments and to uphold accountability for serious violations of international law.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has demanded Russia restore Ukrainian law in Crimea and release all political prisoners. The illegal annexation by Russia in 2014 has violated international law, prompting this strong response. The Committee calls for the end of torture practices, a halt to ethnic persecution, and encourages international cooperation in investigations.
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has strongly urged Russia to respect human rights in Crimea, calling for the release of Ukrainian political prisoners and restoration of Ukrainian law. Their strong stance against the illegal annexation and ongoing violations highlights Russia’s obligation to uphold international law, even post-expulsion from the Council. The call for accountability extends to broader humanitarian issues, underscoring the need for cooperation with international investigations and the cessation of discrimination against minorities in Crimea.
Original Source: www.coe.int
