The 71st anniversary of the deportation of Crimean Tatars is being marked amid ongoing concerns about their treatment in Russian-occupied Crimea. The original deportation, ordered by Stalin's USSR, resulted in severe hardships for those affected. Many suffered from hunger, disease, and death during their forced relocation to regions such as the Urals, Central Asia, and Siberia. Decades of persecution followed these events.
Currently, Crimean Tatars continue to face challenges under Russian occupation. Reports indicate that nearly 10,000 have fled their homeland due to repression and discrimination. Those who remain are allegedly subjected to various abuses including interrogations, beatings, arbitrary detentions, and police raids on homes and mosques.
In a statement commemorating this solemn anniversary, solidarity was expressed with the Crimean Tatars and all Ukrainians. The statement highlighted the remembrance of those who lost their lives or suffered under repression both in 1944 and today. It condemned Russia's "illegal attempt to annex Crimea," which remains unrecognized by many international entities. Furthermore, it called for an end to Russia's occupation while reaffirming support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity along with a commitment to human rights for all Ukrainians.