11 years of systemic human rights violations in temporarily occupied Crimea – UN HRC58 side event

The Permanent Missions of the Czech Republic and Ukraine to the UN Office and the other International Organizations in Geneva, Human Rights House Crimea and its member organizations, including ZMINA, will hold the side event “11 Years of Systemic Human Rights Violations in Temporarily Occupied Crimea: What Can International Mechanisms Do?” on the margin of the 58th UN Human Rights Council. It will take place on the 19th of March at 14:00 in the XXII room of the Palais des Nations.

For 11 years of Crimea’s occupation, Russia has systematically suppressed civil society, eradicated Ukrainian identity, and ruthlessly persecuted any signs of disloyalty through a comprehensive system of repression.

Enforced disappearances, іllegal arrests, torture, physical and psychological violence, fabricated charges of “extremism” and “terrorism,” and a wave of spy mania — fabricated criminal cases on charges of espionage and “state treason”— have become tools of terror against the disloyal population in the occupied territory. Anti-war and pro-Ukrainian views serve as grounds for persecution, while freedom of religion is under threat: spiritual leaders are arrested, religious communities are dismantled, and independent denominations face oppression. Judicial processes take place without adherence to fair trial standards, and prisoners are deprived of proper legal assistance.

These repressive practices are part of a deliberate state policy that grossly violates international law. The atmosphere of fear and impunity, fostered by the lack of a resolute international response to crimes committed since 2014, only intensifies repression, enabling its further expansion and escalation.

Given the current situation, the consolidation of international efforts is critically important to hold Russia accountable, protect Ukrainian civilians, and ensure justice for victims. Close coordination is needed between the Human Rights Council, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine—which must continue documenting crimes, particularly cases of forced child deportation and political persecution, and preserving evidence for future trials—and UN treaty bodies, including the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Specialized UN agencies, such as UNESCO and UNICEF, can play a crucial role in safeguarding Ukrainian education, supporting victims of repression, and facilitating the return of unlawfully deported citizens.

During the event, human rights defenders will present up-to-date information on human rights violations and breaches of international law in Crimea, as well as provide specific recommendations for restoring justice and ensuring sustainable peace.

Remarks:

• Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva
• Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva

Speakers:

• Ms. Iryna Baran El Ghali, Crimean Human Rights Group
• Ms. Mariia Sulialina, Centre for Civic Education “Almenda”
• Ms. Kateryna Rashevska, Regional Centre for Human Rights
• Ms. Tetiana Pechonchyk, Human Rights Centre ZMINA
• Mr. Artem Oliinyk, CrimeaSOS

Moderator: Ms. Diana Nazarets, Institute for Human Rights

Organizers of the event: the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN Office and the other International Organizations in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Office and the other International Organizations in Geneva, Human Rights House Crimea, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, Crimean Human Rights Group, Centre for Civic Education “Almenda”, Regional Centre for Human Rights, CrimeaSOS.