The Commissioner monitors the situation of human rights in Crimea
Christina Luna Rodriguez. The Council of Europe's Commissioner for human rights Nils Muiznieks said that "with great concern" monitoring the situation with human rights in Crimea.
"A few words about Crimea. I visited the Crimea in September and continue to monitor the human rights aspects with great concern, " said Muiznieks, representing PACE in its own annual report
"I see that does not decrease the pressure on minorities to the media, to human rights defenders. Still, human rights leaders, activists do not have the opportunity to visit the island, " said the Commissioner.
Speaking of PACE, he also expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation and Ukraine for the opportunity to visit the Crimea.
Crimea and Sevastopol became the Russian regions after the 16 March referendum in which an overwhelming number of voters voted for reunification with Russia. The head of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin said that the referendum in Crimea complies with international law and the UN Charter.
the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation has stated many times that the residents of the Crimea in a democratic way, in full accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations voted for reunification with Russia, respecting and accepting this choice, and this decision is the reality that ought to be considered. Ukraine considers Crimea its, but at the time occupied territory.