Thinking of People, not Territories: the 1st Crimea Week in Brussels
8 / 05 / 2025
From May 12 to 16, Brussels will host Crimea Week, organized by Ukrainian and international civil society in close cooperation with EU institutions, permanent representations, and the Mission of Ukraine to the EU.
The focus of the event will be on people, their rights, and the urgent need for continued political attention and action, as Crimea is often viewed solely through its geographical and strategic importance.
This initiative will spotlight the lived realities of the people of Crimea — particularly Crimean Tatars, human rights defenders, and independent voices — who, despite facing systematic repression since the peninsula’s occupation in 2014, continue to demonstrate resilience and engage in acts of resistance.
What activities are planned?
Monday 12th May
11:00-12:00 Opening of the 1st Crimean Week in Brussels: Thinking of People, not Territories
The event will feature opening remarks from Czech and Ukrainian EU representatives, followed by a panel discussion with experts on Crimea. The focus will be on the deteriorating human rights situation in temporarily occupied Crimea, with a cultural segment including a typical Crimean Tatar dancing to conclude the event.
Where? Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, Rue Trone 130, 1050 Brussels
How? By invitations only
17:00-20:00 Crimean Tatars: back to the roots
An evening of films about exploring the history, culture, and resilience of the Crimean Tatar people. From the traumatic deportation of 1944 to the rich traditions of Crimean Tatar wedding rites, and the raw testimonies of children who lived through occupation and full-scale invasion. These films offer a moving and multifaceted portrait of a community shaped by hardship, heritage, and hope.
Where? Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee, Rue de la Loi 89, 1040 Brussels
How? By registration
Tuesday 13th May
12:30-13:30 Crimea Week Session at the European Parliament
Marking the 81st anniversary of the Crimean Tatars’ deportation, this session will spotlight ongoing human rights abuses in temporarily occupied Crimea and emphasize the need to center the human dimension in efforts to end Russian aggression. The event will feature speeches from Ukrainian officials, human rights defenders, and co-hosting MEPs.
Where? European Parliament, Room 5G2, Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Brussels
How? By registration
15:00-16:30 Free Voices of Crimea: Citizen Journalism and Resistance under Occupation
This event will open the photo exhibition “Crimea through the Eyes of Citizen Journalists” and present the book “The Free Voices of Crimea”, honoring citizen journalists who risk their freedom to expose abuses under Russian occupation. Featuring contributions from the human rights defenders, the program includes a guided photo tour, a book presentation and a solidarity letter writing.
Where? Info Hub of the European Parliament, Esplanade Solidarność 1980, Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Brussels
How? By registration
Wednesday 14th May
15:00-17:30 Documentary screening “Without the Right to Defence”
The screening of “Without the Right to Defence” will highlight the challenges faced by journalists and human rights defenders under the oppressive regime of the Russian occupation. The documentary sheds light on the systemic suppression of free expression and the urgent need for international solidarity to safeguard fundamental rights.
Where? Info Hub of the European Parliament, Esplanade Solidarność 1980, Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Brussels
How? By registration
Friday 16th May
14:00-16:00 Children Under Occupation: Indoctrination, Militarization and Persecution of Ukrainian Youth in Occupied Crimea
The event will discuss the indoctrination, militarization, and persecution of Ukrainian youth under Russian occupation in Crimea, focusing on how the education system is used to erase Ukrainian identity. It will feature expert presentations, a Q&A session, and an exhibition titled “U(CRIME)A,” showcasing illustrations depicting the harsh realities of life under occupation and the destruction of Ukrainian identity.
Where? Université libre de Bruxelles, Solbosch Campus, Building B, Level 1, Room B1.315 “Roger Lallemand”
How? Open
We look forward to your participation!
For more information: Facebook event Crimea Week in Brussels