Ambassador Holland comments on the eleventh anniversary of
Russia's illegal annexation of Ukraine, a violation of
international law, and the campaign of systematic human rights
violations and abuse against its people that followed.
"Thank you, Mr Chair. This month marks 11 years since
Russia illegally annexed Crimea —a violation of international
law.
Yesterday marked the Day of Resistance, commemorating the courage
and resilience of Ukrainians who continue to stand against
Russian occupation of Crimea. On that day in 2014, thousands of
Ukrainians gathered peacefully in Simferopol, defending Ukraine's
territorial integrity and their democratic rights.
Since 2014, the situation in Crimea has deteriorated
significantly. Russia's occupation has been characterised by
systematic human rights abuses and a campaign to suppress
dissent, erase Ukrainian cultural identity, and silence those who
speak out.
The UN reports that the Crimean Tatar community continues to face
serious persecution, including arbitrary detentions, forced
disappearances, and the closure of media outlets. It concludes
that their cultural and political rights have been violated.
OHCHR reports that at least 219 Ukrainians from Crimea, including
133 Crimean Tatars, have been arbitrarily detained in Russia
since Russia's annexation of Crimea. At least 40 of these are
being denied the urgent medical care they need — among them,
human rights defenders Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Enver Ametov.
Religious freedoms are also under attack. Communities that refuse
to conform to the Russian Orthodox Church, including Ukrainian
Orthodox believers, Muslims, and Jehovah's Witnesses face
harassment, surveillance, and unjustified legal action. These
actions violate fundamental human rights, including the freedom
of religion and belief, which are enshrined in international law.
And since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia's repressive
measures in Crimea have become the blueprint for the restrictions
on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the newly occupied
territories.
Russia's attempts to legitimise its occupation of sovereign
Ukrainian territory through sham referenda and forced
passportisation are equally concerning. These actions attempt to
manipulate the demographic and political landscape of Ukraine,
further isolating the occupied regions from Ukraine and the
international community. The UK rejects these measures as
unlawful.
We call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily
detained by Russia in Ukraine, including the three members of the
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission—Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and
Dmytro Shabanov—who have been unjustly held since 2022 for
performing their official duties. International human rights
monitoring bodies be granted full and unrestricted access to
Crimea. Justice must be served for victims of human rights
abuses, including those forcibly disappeared or tortured.
The UK reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty
and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised
borders, including Crimea. We will stand with Ukraine for as long
as it takes, and we will continue to work with our international
partners to hold the Russian authorities accountable."
