Since the beginning of the year, more than 500 Crimeans from the occupied Simferopol have been sent to serve in the Russian army under a contract, which is 5% bigger than last year. This was reported by the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry.
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“In order to increase the popularity of military service under the contract, the staff of the point carry out explanatory and campaigning work with the population in 25 municipal districts and cities of republican significance of the Crimea, including among graduates of secondary vocational education institutions”,- the message says.
It is noted that during the medical examination, candidates are tested for COVID-19 using innovative tests developed specifically for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Representatives of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center have repeatedly noted on international platforms that the legal status of Crimeans is regulated by the IV Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilian Population, namely Article 51, which states that the occupying power cannot compel Crimeans to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces. Any pressure or propaganda in favor of voluntary enlistment in the army is prohibited.
Also, according to article 30 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, military activities cannot be carried out without the consent of the indigenous people on their territory.
We demand from Russia to abolish the conscription for military service of citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as adhere to its international obligations.