Speech of the Representative of Mejlis of theCrimean Tatar People, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of Mejlis Abduraman Egiz at the fifths session of the Forum on Minority Issues of the Human Rights Council Madam Chair, Ladies and Gentlemen, Stating the position of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People regarding the implementation of the Declaration in Ukraine I would like to cover some issues of the agenda. During the past 20 years, the lifespan of the UN Declaration on minorities, no law was adopted in Ukraine concerning the restoration of the social, economic, political and cultural rights of the Crimean Tatar people. As these social problems accumulate, the problems of land, religion, language, and Crimean Tatar political participation become more sensitive. In response to these issues, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People is trying to engage and trying to be innovative by holding the International Forum on restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people in their homeland, ensuring their security and development in Ukraine. We held a number of meetings and consultations with the heads of the diplomatic missions and international organizations, the leading politicians and experts in Ukraine and other countries, the MEPs, and representatives of the Council of Europe. The idea of hosting an international forum has found a broad audience. We are trying to engage in a collaborative way, but we have faced with the lack of the political will, despite our attempts to reach out. Perhaps the UN could assist the Ukrainian government in conducting the International Forum on the restoration of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people in their homeland, ensuring their security and guaranteeing of development in Ukraine. In response to all of these issues: States are required to cooperate fully with the various international institutions, including the recommendations and implement them and, if necessary, jointly seek ways to resolve the situation with the involvement of stakeholders; States that have not yet adopted legislation to ensure the preservation and development of identity, have to do it; - we are concerned about the lack of a deliberate policy of minority representation in government. This leads to discrimination through political speculation during and after the elections; - it is necessary to develop and implement a proactive policy in the field of education in the mother language as well as a focus on discussion of the issues of pluralism and the contribution of minorities in society and debunking negative stereotypes and myths; - we believe that the difficult economic conditions, the government should ensure that the initiatives of austerity and other measures to improve the situation does not have a disproportionately negative impact on minorities, who may be more vulnerable.

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