Other speakers included: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, who was the meeting host, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey Yavuz Selım Kıran, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, as well as Nariman Dzhelyal, deputy head of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Lutfiye Zudieva, a journalist, and Maria Tomak, a representative of an NGO which focuses on protecting human rights in the peninsula.

In his remarks, the chief of Polish diplomacy pointed to the deteriorating human rights situation in Crimea, occupied by Russia since 2014. “Despite repeated calls at numerous international fora, the Russian Federation continues to occupy the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol in serious violation of international law and international human rights obligations,” observed Minister Zbigniew Rau, pointing out forced disappearances and illegal detentions, as well as repression against human rights defenders and ethnic minorities, mainly Crimean Tatars.

Minister Zbigniew Rau also raised the issue of numerous violations of freedom of religion and belief targeting the peninsula’s religious communities, including Muslims, the followers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The oppressive actions of the occupying forces are also combined with the militarisation of the peninsula. “Regular, forced conscription of Ukrainian nationals in Crimea into the Russian army, as well as the militarisation of the education system along with war propaganda targeted at minors are yet other examples of grave human rights violations we are deeply concerned about,” stressed Minister Zbigniew Rau.

Referring to the Crimea Platform, a Ukrainian initiative which was discussed during the meeting, the head of Polish diplomacy expressed hope that the platform will serve as an effective tool to publicize the need to protect human rights in Crimea. “I would like to firmly assure you of Poland’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters,” stated Minister Zbigniew Rau, adding that Poland will continue its calls for the protection of human rights of every person residing in occupied Crimea.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA