UN: Human rights violations continue in Crimea

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said this in an interim report by the UN Secretary General on the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

"Human rights violations involving torture and other ill-treatment perpetrated by law enforcement agencies continued in Crimea," Bachelet said.

According to her, in all documented cases in which victims made credible complaints to the courts and law enforcement authorities, no perpetrator was held accountable.

"The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns about inadequate conditions of detention in Crimea, which could amount to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment," the Crimean Human Rights Group said.

In addition, the report provides several examples where, in violation of international humanitarian law, the Russian Federation failed to uphold its obligations as the occupying power in Crimea.

"Transfers of detainees from occupied territory to the territory of the occupying Power, continue to violate the prohibition on individual or mass forcible transfers, as well as on deportations of protected persons," Bachelet said.

She added that she was also concerned about the state of media freedom on the peninsula.

"The ongoing criminalization of freedom of expression on social media is also worrisome, with journalists and media workers continuing to face interference with their professional activities. Several civil society groups faced obstacles in organizing conferences, public discussions and other meetings," Bachelet said.

The report also notes that the Russian Federation continues to apply its criminal legislation in Crimea, contrary to its obligation to respect the criminal laws of the occupied territory, and that it carried out its tenth military conscription campaign in Crimea, in violation of international humanitarian law.

In addition, the author of the report reminds the Government of Ukraine of its obligation to use all available means to ensure respect for the enjoyment of human rights in Crimea.

"My office will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Crimea, and stand ready to engage with the Russian Federation, as the occupying Power, as well as with Ukraine, in order to strengthen protection of human rights on the peninsula and throughout the country," Bachelet said.

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