Analytical reports about Crimea

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the occupying authorities of Crimea are violating basic human rights. In 2020, 37 people were subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution: 14 sentences were passed, 29 criminal cases were initiated. Since August 2020, the population of some regions of Crimea has no free access to freshwater. The occupying authorities are intensifying the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Muslims, and the Crimean community of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

This report documents a number of violations in the places of detention in regards to 35 prisoners. 17 of them have already been released. 18 people are still being kept in places of detention in Crimea or Russia.

Three Crimean Tatar activists were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for political reasons. Medzhit Ablyamitov’s lawyer reported gross procedural violations in the case against his client. The administration of the detention facilities creates unsatisfactory detention conditions for persons persecuted in Crimea for political reasons. Crimean servicemen nearly died due to vaccination against COVID-19 with an unauthorized Russian vaccine. Crimeans are forced to reuse water for their household needs due to its shortage. Russia has put up for sale another Crimean winery belonging to Ukraine. The occupying authorities intimidate Crimeans with warnings about the prohibition of holding and attending rallies.

The occupying authorities vaccinate Crimeans against COVID-19 with an unauthorized vaccine. There are new water consumption restrictions due to acute water shortage in Crimean reservoirs. In December, there were two politically motivated court decisions, one search and one detention in relation to Crimean Tatars. Political prisoners do not receive the necessary medical care and are held in inappropriate conditions in places of confinement. The occupying authorities sold Ukrainian property which is based in Crimea.

On November 15, 2017, the National Report of Ukraine on the state of human rights observance in the framework of the 3rd cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was presented. Subsequent to the results of consideration of the report by the Working Group of the Human Rights Council, 190 recommendations were provided to Ukraine, 163 of which were taken on for execution by Ukraine. As part of Ukraine’s Interim Report on the implementation of the UPR Recommendations, the Coalition of non-governmental organizations concerning the rights of victims suffered from the conflict submits to the Human Rights Council an alternative report on Ukraine’s implementation of recommendations with regard to protecting the rights of victims of armed conflict, as well as overcoming its negative consequences.

Amid severe water shortages, more regions of occupied Crimea switch to restricted water supply. The highest death toll from COVID-19 is recorded in the occupied peninsula. Crimean Tatar activists were given prison sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years. Crimean occupation authorities unlawfully expose Ukraine’s property for sale.

Hospitals in Crimea are unable to cope with the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. There are further water consumption restrictions in Crimea. Jehovah’s Witnesses face criminal prosecution for their religious beliefs. Illegal draft to the Russian army is underway in Crimea. The occupying authorities’ illegal actions endanger the valuable historical and cultural sites of Crimea.

In Crimea, schoolchildren cannot exercise the right to study their native language, and persons that have Ukrainian passports are forced to give them up. The occupying authorities imposed harsh water consumption restrictions; decided to forcibly purchase private wells and desalinate saltwater. The number of COVID-19 infections in Crimea has reached new record highs. 7 Crimean Tatar activists were given prison sentences ranging from 13 to 19 years. The historical monument in Feodosia is in decay due to the inaction and negligence of the occupation authorities.