On Monday, August 9, a round table was held on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on the topic: The Law on the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine as a guarantee of sustainable development of the state. The event was attended by MPs, public and political figures and representatives of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine.
Head of the Board of the Crimean Tatar Resource Center, Head of the Department of Legal and Foreign Affairs of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Eskender Bariiev made a presentation on the topic: Indigenous peoples of Ukraine: from declarations of rights to the adoption of the Law of Ukraine.
The expert told the history of the development of the issue of indigenous peoples at the international level and, directly, the adoption of the very Law of Ukraine On the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine.
Bariiev noted that the adoption of the law is a very important step. He explained what the Law on Indigenous Peoples gives for Ukraine:
– a step towards NATO membership
– a step towards EU membership
– the beginning of the destruction of the ideology of the so-called Russian world
– a step towards de-occupation of Crimea
– improving the image of Ukraine as a legal democratic European state.
Bariiev added that due to this law, the question has already been clearly settled in Ukraine: who are the indigenous peoples of Ukraine? And the definition is legally enshrined. After all, many do not fully understand the difference between indigenous peoples and national minorities.
“We must demonstrate to our compatriots that only Ukraine can ensure their future. Indeed, this law clearly refers to the protection of indigenous peoples. The state will contribute to the preservation of national identity”,- said the Head of the Board of the CTRC.
Eskender Bariiev stressed that the adoption of the Law is not the final result. It is very important to make this law work. Each article of this law must be clearly spelled out by regulations.
“Despite small shortcomings, Ukraine can already become an example for many countries in the world as a state that in practice protects the rights of indigenous peoples”,- summed up a member of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.