Ukrainian Delegation Addresses Crimean Tatar Rights at UN Forum 2025

The Ukrainian delegation, headed by representatives of the Mejlis and the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, took part in a session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The focus was on violations of the rights of Crimean Tatars on the occupied peninsula and calls for international solidarity.

This was reported by the press service of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

The XXIV session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues began in New York on April 21, 2025, and will last until May 2. This year's theme: "Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in UN Member States and the UN system, including identification of good practices and challenges".

The Ukrainian delegation at the event was represented by the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov, Chairman of the Board of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center Eskender Bariev, lawyer of the CRC Lyudmyla Korotkikh, member of the Executive Board of the World Congress of Crimean Tatars Ayla Bakkali, as well as representatives of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations.

According to Bariiev, the Ukrainian delegation focused on the violations of the rights of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine in the context of the occupation of Crimea and Russia's full-scale aggression. In their speeches, the delegates referred to the articles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which sets international standards for the protection, survival and dignity of these peoples.

"It is very important that the world hears our voice, shares our position, and we convey true information about the situation of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine," Eskender Bariev emphasized.

In addition to participating in the general debate, the Ukrainian delegation will hold several separate events. In particular, a briefing for the missions of the Crimean Platform member states.

Ukraine has also come under pressure from Donald Trump's team, which is allegedly looking for ways to end the war, including through the possible recognition of the annexation of Crimea. This issue is expected to be discussed at a meeting in London at the end of the week.

The President's Office warned that any concessions to the Kremlin could have serious consequences for global security, as they jeopardize international agreements and the nuclear disarmament system.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recently adopted a resolution paving the way for compensation for the damage caused by Russia since the beginning of the occupation of Crimea in 2014. The document also emphasizes the importance of recording human rights violations on the peninsula.<span> </span>

Анна Бальчінос