Today, 13 September, the world celebrates the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, an important document that recognises the right of indigenous peoples to preserve their culture, traditions, language and identity.
The declaration is a step forward in protecting the rights of the 476 million indigenous people living in 90 countries around the world, many of whom face oppression and discrimination. It emphasises the importance of indigenous peoples to global cultural diversity and the preservation of traditions.
Ukraine has three officially recognised indigenous peoples: Crimean Tatars, Karaites and Krymchaks. Their culture, language and customs are an integral part of Ukraine’s rich ethnic diversity. However, now in their tenth year, these peoples are facing enormous challenges due to the occupation of Crimea and the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Russia is not only violating their rights in their native land, but is also using Crimea as a military springboard to attack Ukraine, in particular to deploy military equipment and carry out bombing raids.
The indigenous peoples of Ukraine have been directly threatened by military action and repression. Crimean Tatars, in particular, are subjected to systematic harassment, persecution and detention by the Russian occupation forces. It is not only a question of physical survival, but also of preserving cultural and religious identity, as the Russian occupation threatens the existence of entire peoples.
The Crimean Tatar Resource Centre, established in 2015, has become an important voice in the struggle for indigenous rights. We work to ensure the collective rights of Crimean Tatars, as well as the individual rights of all Crimean residents. Our main goal is to promote sustainable development and restore peace, while protecting the rights of all indigenous peoples in Ukraine affected by the occupation.
Our work ranges from monitoring human rights violations in Crimea to educational initiatives and supporting international sanctions against the Russian occupiers. An important part of our work is also working with international organisations to draw attention to indigenous peoples’ issues on a global level.
We must realise that our real wealth lies in our diversity. Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, their culture and land is not only a matter of historical justice, but also a key to peaceful and sustainable development for all.