In a recent pronouncement, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers urged the Russian authorities to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea immediately. They demanded an end to administrative practices violating the European Human Rights Convention, calling for the release of all political prisoners, including Ukrainian soldiers, ethnic Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and journalists unjustly detained.
During their latest quarterly meeting, the Committee addressed the Ukraine v. Russia case, emphasising that Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 breached international law. They reiterated the necessity for Ukraine’s legal framework to be reinstated entirely in Crimea, condemning the numerous violations of human rights such as arbitrary detentions and torture that occurred during Russia’s occupation.
Despite Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe, it remains accountable for executing European Court of Human Rights judgments. The Committee noted with concern the Russian authorities’ lack of communication regarding these issues. They insisted on the safe return of Ukrainian political prisoners and all others detained under UAE rights violations.
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has called on Russia to restore Ukrainian law in Crimea, release all political prisoners, and respect human rights. Highlighting significant violations from 2014 onwards, the Committee seeks accountability and cooperation with international investigations, despite Russia’s expulsion from the Council. Their compassionate plea underscores the urgent need for the safety of detained individuals and the rights of minorities in Crimea.
The Committee of Ministers has made a strong statement demanding that Russia respect human rights in Crimea, particularly through the release of political prisoners and the restoration of Ukrainian law. They condemned Russia’s previous actions as violations of international law and are calling for immediate changes to improve the conditions of those detained. The continued neglect of these demands highlights a pressing global concern for human rights violations in Crimea, calling for continued international scrutiny and cooperation.
Original Source: www.coe.int
