Russia is conducting a brutal campaign of human rights violations and resorting to disinformation to justify its aggression: UK statement to the OSCE
As Ambassador Holland marks 10 years since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia's repressive measures in Crimea have become a blueprint for its actions in the temporarily Russian controlled territories.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Over the past decade, Russia’s aggression has undermined our collective security. This month marks 10 years since Russia illegally sought to annex Crimea. This violated the first principle of international law – that countries may not acquire territory or change borders by force. And eight years later Crimea was used to launch its full-scale invasion into Ukraine.
Since 2014, Russia has conducted a brutal campaign of human rights abuses and violations against civilians in Crimea – denying them their liberty. Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities have endured Russia’s systemic attempts to erase their culture and identities. And yet despite the risk of persecution, acts of resistance are seen on the peninsula, such as pro-Ukraine graffiti and the tying of yellow ribbons in public spaces. The UK is proud to stand with the people of Crimea and be a member of the International Crimea Platform.
Russia’s illegal annexation has also led to a collapse of Crimea’s financial systems. Despite Russia claiming the contrary, many Crimeans have experienced a poorer standard of living since 2014. Recent reports have revealed water shortages in Crimea that are so severe that residents may soon be forced to flee.
Russia’s repressive measures in Crimea have become the blueprint for the restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the temporarily Russian controlled territories of Ukraine. We see actions straight out of Russia’s tried and tested playbook – including sham elections and forced passportisation. These are all attempts by Russia to claim legitimacy for its actions.
Repression and silencing any dissenting voices are at the heart of Russia’s approach. Ukrainians daring to resist Russia have been wrongly detained. And Russians brave enough to speak out against President Putin’s war suffer the same fate. The continued detention of the Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, further illustrates Russia’s continued disregard for, and fear of, media freedom. The UK calls for the immediate release of Mr Gershkovich and of all political prisoners held by Russia. Russia must allow access to international monitoring organisations to ensure the legal and humane treatment of detainees.
Russia continues to resort to disinformation and misinformation to justify its actions. In this room over two years ago, Russia repeatedly labelled our warnings of an imminent full-scale invasion as ‘myths’. Russia promised it had no intentions to invade Ukraine. Russia then contravened not only its own promises, but the foundations of this organisation, by invading a sovereign State. Russia’s actions proved the difference between its statements here, and reality. The reality is that we hear of the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people every week. Russia must take responsibility for its actions. It must withdraw all its forces from the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine. The UK will never recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory.
Thank you, Madam Chair.