How the occupiers are violating human rights in Crimea and why Europe should care

Crimea is now the part of Ukraine which has been occupied by Russia for the longest time. Russia invaded – and then illegally annexed – the peninsula over 11 years ago.

Despite the disbelief of the rest of the world (100 countries immediately confirmed at the UN General Assembly that Crimea was part of Ukraine), more and more Ukrainian children are growing up knowing nothing but Russian occupation.

This week, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador for Human Rights, Eleanor Sanders, made a "virtual" visit to Crimea – speaking with individuals and groups during this visit, there are three things that I want the world to think about.

Read more about the ongoing crimes in Crimea that the world must be reminded of in the column by Eleanor Sanders: Three crimes against Crimea: why UK won’t turn a blind eye.

The first thing that catches the attention of the UK Ambassador is cultural repression, which is taking place so blatantly and forcefully.

Sanders notes that Russian is now the only language of Crimea. People are given harsh administrative or even criminal punishments for using Ukrainian – even singing Ukrainian folk songs, which the Russian occupying authorities claim is undermining their war effort.

"This is an unacceptable annihilation of identity," Eleanor Sanders states.

The second issue she highlights is the impact of the occupation on children.

The ambassador learned how history books have been changed to present a Russian version of the peninsula’s past, and how teachers who refused to teach this curriculum were harassed, fired or even prosecuted.

"Over 30,000 children in Crimea belong to the Russian patriotic children’s movement Yunarmiya, which trains Ukrainian children to support Russia’s war aims against their own country, including training in the use of weapons and readiness for the battlefield," the author writes.

The third concern is the alteration of the peninsula’s ethnic and demographic makeup.

Sanders points out that Crimeans who refuse to conform to Russia’s restrictive new rules often leave to other parts of Ukraine following intolerable harassment, persecution or punishment. In many cases, properties have been seized and given to Russians who have moved from distant parts of Russia itself to take jobs as part of the occupying authorities.

"This is essentially colonisation, designed to change the ethnic and demographic make-up of the peninsula over time," the ambassador concludes.

She adds that those who remain are forced to accept Russian citizenship, without which they cannot access even basic services.

The column also draws attention to the environmental consequences of the occupation.

"I heard how Russia’s heavy militarisation, as well as its attempts to reap Crimea’s natural resources, are eroding the rich ecosystem that makes Crimea such a special and unique place," Sanders writes.

Thus, there is overwhelming evidence of human rights violations in annexed Crimea, the UK ambassador concludes.

"Anyone who values identity, anyone who believes in children’s rights to be children and to make their own choices about their lives, should be deeply worried about what is happening today in Crimea," the column states.

Sanders also stresses that these violations pose a direct threat to European security.

"We have seen in history how attempts to redraw borders, manipulate demography and suppress human rights have led to tension and resistance, and sown the seeds for future conflict. This is not in the interests of Europe or the world more widely," she affirms.

That is precisely why, according to the ambassador, the UK will stay focused on Crimea and other parts of Ukraine currently under Russian occupation.