Canada calls on Russia to denounce banning of Crimean Tatar Mejlis

 “Canada remains deeply concerned by the dire human rights situation on the Crimean peninsula, which is under continued and illegal Russian occupation, as well as by the mistreatment of the Crimean Tatar people and the destruction of their historic sites,” Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland stated.

Canada continues to denounce Russia’s banning of the Mejlis, the self-governing body of the Crimean Tatars, and calls for Russia to reverse this illegal and immoral decision, the minister noted.

 “We are also committed to working closely with the Crimean Tatar community to denounce the injustices they face and find concrete ways to protect their human rights. Until Russia respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law, the international community and Canada will continue to maintain pressure, including through economic sanctions,” Freeland stressed.

She also added that Canada condemned Russia’s decision to extend citizenship to Ukrainian citizens. According to Freeland, this decision “carries serious implications and forms part of Russia’s playbook, aimed at destabilizing the region.”

Freeland reminded that in her visit to Ukraine last week, she had reaffirmed Canada’s continued and unwavering friendship with the people of Ukraine and its commitment to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

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