The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people has issued a powerful statement—and it deserves the world’s attention.

They categorically reject any attempt to recognize Russian control over Crimea.

Because Crimea is Ukraine. 

Let’s be clear:
Any recognition of russian occupation in Crimea is not just wrong, it’s a violation of international law, of Ukraine’s sovereignty and of the rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people. 

if the world accepted russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, we go against every law created to protect us! It would be a violation of the;
• UN Charter
• Helsinki Final Act
• UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Multiple UN General Assembly resolutions 

It would also mean:
• Undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
• Denying the Crimean Tatars their right to self-determination.
• Justifying centuries of crimes and genocide committed against them.
• Encouraging today’s ongoing ethnocide. 

And Let’s talk about that ethnocide russia is committing:
• Mejlis (their representative body) is banned
• Crimean Tatars face mass repression, arrests, torture
• Their culture and heritage are being erased
• Russian settlers are being moved in to change the demographic 

Recognizing russia’s occupation also sets a terrifying precedent! 
It tells every dictator that they simply can;

“Invade, annex, kill, and wait it out. The world might just accept it.”

That destroys the post-WWII system of peace and global security. 

The Mejlis is crystal clear:

There is only one legitimate path to peace: complete de-occupation of Crimea and all Ukrainian territories.

Anything else risks catastrophic consequences for indigenous peoples and international law. 

They now call on the world to take stronger action:
• More military & economic aid to Ukraine
• Tougher sanctions
• Legal support for victims of Russian repression
• Political and diplomatic pressure on russia. 

Basic elements that should have been implemented years ago! 

A reminder of the 2018 Crimea Declaration by the US:
“The United States rejects russia’s attempt to annex Crimea & will maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored.”
It’s absurd, especially given the growth of the aggression, to change this position! 

The Mejlis’s position remains firm:
• Crimea is Ukraine!
• Crimean Tatars are Indigenous people of Ukraine!
• No agreement on Crimea without Ukraine & the Crimean Tatars!
• No recognition of the occupation, ever! 

They will continue to work with the UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, and others through the Crimean Platform to ensure full de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea into Ukraine. 

This is more than politics.
It’s about justice.
History.
Respect of international & humanitarian laws.
And the right of a people to live free on their own land.
Support Ukraine. 
Support Crimean Tatars.
And remind everyone, every single day; Crimea is Ukraine.

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