The Association of Reintegration of Crimea reported it.

Discussing the problems of water management related to indigenous peoples, the Association drew attention to the specific problem of interstate conflicts, such as Russian aggression, and related negative factors such as colonization, militarization, and internal displacement.

“The participants in the consultation showed particular interest in the aspects of total corruption and negligence in the Russian-controlled structure “Water of Crimea”, as evidenced in a separate analysis prepared by the Association’s expert, Associate Professor Andrey Chvalyuk", - the statement said.

During the consultation, Babin emphasized the lack of participation of the indigenous population in the management of water resources in Russian-occupied Crimea and mentioned the problems of vulnerable Crimean water zones, which the Association proposed to the UN bodies. He voiced the issues of Russia’s fake claims to the European Court of Human Rights and other structures related to the water crisis.

The representative of the Association pointed out the importance of the requirements of resolution 76/179 of the UN General Assembly to Russia as the occupying state of Crimea.

“This act requires Russia to ensure proper living conditions in Crimea, including by ensuring a fair distribution of freshwater resources for the civilian population; providing safe drinking water for all residents of Crimea without discrimination and guaranteeing their access to a sufficient amount of safe and physically accessible water for personal and domestic use", - the Association emphasized.

The expert also informed the participants of the consultation about the example of the use by the Russian invaders of the Siemens and Grundfos pumps on the Beshterek-Zuy water pipeline, which destroys the unique river ecosystems inhabited by the indigenous population.

“Participants noted with deep concern the refusal of the governments of Denmark and Germany to punish the respective companies for the supply of sanctioned equipment and to pay any compensation to the victims", - the message said.

Professor Babin focused on the law of Ukraine on indigenous peoples adopted in 2021 and the activities of the Association and the Crimean Tatar Resource Center on the development of relevant by-laws that will allow the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people to take part in consultations on water management and sustainable development.

The representative of the Association presented to the UN Rapporteur the documentary film “Crimea. Dehydration", - which describes the causes and consequences of the current water crisis in Crimea.

Russia’s submission to the UN Rapporteur at his request for his subsequent reports on the water right was formal; it did not mention occupied Crimea at all, and representatives of Russia or their controlled structures did not take part in these UN consultations.

Relevant reports from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Water will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council and the General Assembly in September-October 2022.

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