Crimean Ombudsmen: International observers cannot come to Crimea because they consider the Peninsula as part of Ukraine
The reasons why international observers have not been able to come to the Crimea have been paperwork issues, as well as that their belief that the Crimea is part of Ukrainian territory, assumed Crimean Ombudsmen Ludmila Lubina in an interview with Radio "Sputnik in the Crimea."
“These organizations do not recognize the Crimea as Russia and when coming to our territory they ask for permission from Ukraine. Ukraine gives these permissions, but they are filled out in an unclear manner. We declare that we are Russian territory, therefore prepare documents corresponding to Russian legislation. And it's just that they come to us with improper documents, raising questions. But requesting documents from Moscow, they recognize the Crimea as Russian,” explained Lubina in her own words.
She further remarked that the Crimea is ready to accept international observers.
In February 2016, the European parliament passed a resolution that condemned the “unprecedented level” of violations of the rights of Crimean people, in particular, the Crimean Tatars, during the annexation of the Crimea by Russia.
After the annexation of the Crimea peninsula searches, detention and various restrictions became almost a daily event. Russian Crimean authorities have denied any reports about the violation of human rights on the peninsula.
Ukrainian and international human rights organizations have repeatedly asked for access to the peninsula for international observers to visit.