Twelve years of Russian occupation: Human rights violations and ongoing resistance in Crimea

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Twelve years of Russian illegal occupation: Human rights violations and ongoing resistance in Crimea

PAST
EVENT

Mar 17, 2026

11:00-12:30

Hybrid

Location: Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels Venue: European Policy Centre

Twelve years after the onset of Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, the peninsula remains marked by systematic repression, the suppression of fundamental freedoms and sustained attacks on indigenous identity. Numerous monitoring missions and non-governmental organisations have documented grave human rights violations and international crimes, including the persecution of Crimean Tatars, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other independent voices.

Moreover, Russia has turned Crimea into a vast military base, projecting power across the Black Sea and supporting its broader military operations against Ukraine, including cruise missile strikes launched from ships of the Black Sea Fleet and from Crimean air bases. As diplomatic discussions continue regarding the status of occupied territories, it is essential not to overlook the human dimension and the rights of millions of Ukrainians living under occupation.

This discussion will examine the human rights situation in Crimea over 12 years of occupation and explore the broader lessons for certains areas of the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine. Bringing together experts and witnesses, this hybrid Policy Dialogue will review documented violations, analyse how tactics being tested in Crimea are applied elsewhere, and share stories of local resilience. It will also consider recommendations for the international community on how to strengthen accountability and support those living under occupation.

Participation is open to EPC members, media and EU officials.

For media enquiries, please contact media@epc.eu.

For other queries, please contact events@epc.eu.

Moderator Speakers

Amanda Paul

Moderator

Senior Policy Analyst & Deputy Head of Programme, European Policy Centre

Leniie Umerova

Speaker

Ex-political prisoner and human rights activist

Matteo Arisci

Speaker

Team leader for Peace and Defence, European External Action Service, UA Division

Oksana Diakun

Speaker

Deputy Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU

Pekka Toveri

Speaker

Member of the European Parliament

Sabina Iliasova

Speaker

Co-coordinator of Crimea SOS NGO

Simon Papuashvili

Speaker

Programme Director, Eastern Europe/South Caucasus, International Partnership for Human Rights

Partners

Europe in the World

The Europe in the World (EiW) Programme scrutinises the impact of a changing international system on Europe and probes how the EU and its member states can advance their interests and values on a regional and global level. It examines the EU’s relations with both major and middle powers around the world, and how Europe can continue to contribute to a rules-based global order. Secondly, the Programme focuses on the role of the EU in fostering reform, resilience and stability in neighbouring regions and looks closely at developments in Turkey and Ukraine, among other countries. Thirdly, the Programme examines and seeks to advance the development of Europe’s security and defence policy.

Details