STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 47th Session.
Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine (HRC res. 41/25) and interim report of Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Crimea (GA res. 75/192)
Statement delivered by Ms Anniken Enersen, Minister-Counsellor Human Rights
9 July 2021
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Madam President,
Norway thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the human rights situation in Crimea and shares his concern. We call on Russia, as the occupying power, to respect its obligations under international law. Russia must ensure all residents have the right to a fair trial with access to lawyers and prevent all forms of torture and ill-treatment of detainees.
Freedom of religion or belief must be guaranteed. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine is denied registration and churches have been evicted, even demolished. Russian anti-extremism laws are being applied against Protestants, Muslims, Jews and other groups, contrary to international law. Crimean Tatar organisations must be allowed to operate.
Russia must stop forcing residents of Crimea to apply for Russian citizenship by discriminating against Ukrainian and other citizens, for example by not allowing them to own property close to the Administrative Boundary Line and denying them social housing and free health insurance. Norway calls on Russia to stop the forced conscription of Crimean residents.
Madam President,
Norway urges Russia to ensure unhindered access to Crimea for international human rights observers, including from the UN.
I thank you.