OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities welcomes efforts to improve inter-ethnic relations in Ukraine but remains concerned about situation in Crimea
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Ukraine from 15 to 17 September 2014 to take stock of the situation since her last visit. She said that while the situation remains extremely tense and challenging, there are positive developments, including the ceasefire following the signing of the Minsk Protocol on 5 September 2014.
Thors welcomed the government’s efforts to develop a new institutional framework for inter‑ethnic and national minority issues and to update the related legislation. She discussed these initiatives with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Olexandr Sych, Minister of Culture Nyshchuk Yevhen and Government Representative for Ethno-national Policy Gennadiy Druzenko.
Thors called on the authorities to ensure that the concerns of all ethnic and linguistic groups are taken into account, especially when developing laws and policies affecting them. She offered the assistance and expertise of her office in this area, including on promoting the integration of Ukraine’s diverse society.
Commissioner Thors is increasingly concerned about the situation in Crimea. “I am alarmed by reports of increased intimidation of ethnic Ukrainians, as well as intrusive searches in the homes, businesses, and public and religious organizations of Crimean Tatars, including in the premises of the Mejlis. I urge the authorities in de facto control of Crimea to respect international law and OSCE commitments, and to guarantee human rights, including minority rights, on the territory under their effective control,” she said.
Thors also met representatives of the international community to discuss combined international efforts to assist the Ukrainian authorities in the peace process. She called on the international community to support Ukraine in its efforts to manage the internal displacement of people, to rebuild its society and to tackle the effects of the ongoing crisis.