On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) draws attention to the difficult situation of minorities and indigenous communities. “Ukraine is a multi-ethnic state and home to over 100 minorities and Indigenous Peoples. These communities face enormous challenges as a result of the war. In Donbass, Russia has occupied or destroyed all settlements of the North Azovian Greeks. Many members of this minority have been killed or forced to flee. The lives of the Crimean Tatars have been marked by systematic persecution since the occupation of the peninsula in 2014, which violated international law,“ emphasizes Sarah Reinke, head of the STP’s human rights department. ”Minorities and indigenous communities are hoping for Germany’s support, because they see a future only in a democratic Ukraine.”
“Among the 3.4 million internally displaced persons are many of Ukraine’s approximately 400,000 Roma. Due to poverty, discrimination, and poor educational and employment opportunities, they are particularly dependent on humanitarian aid. Many of them are descendants of survivors of the Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazis against the Ukrainian Roma. Germany has a special responsibility toward them,” warns Reinke. The German government is currently failing to live up to this responsibility even in Germany itself. The STP calls for targeted support for Roma refugees from Ukraine.
“We must not become accustomed to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, neither to the daily news reports of deaths caused by bombs, missiles, and drones, nor to reports of torture, murder, and rape in the temporarily occupied territories. The federal government must increase its military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. At the same time, communication is needed that clearly identifies the dangers for Europe,” demands Reinke.
The STP criticizes the BAMF’s admission freeze for voluntary applicants to integration courses as a political misstep. More, not less, support is needed for refugees. About one-third of the 130,000 people affected come from Ukraine. “This decision sends the wrong signal. It affects people whose husbands and fathers are fighting on the front lines in Ukraine,” said Reinke.
Under the slogan “We stand with Ukraine for the future of Europe”, the German-Ukrainian NGO Vitsche is organizing a march followed by a demonstration in Berlin on Tuesday, February 24. The march will begin at 6 p.m. and proceed from the Lustgarten to the Brandenburg Gate. The STP supports the Vitsche event and is a co-organizer.
This press release was translated from German to English using AI. If you come across errors or ambiguities, please contact us at 65]G378o6DD6CA.
Contact: Sarah Reinke, Head of Human Rights Work – 65]G378o6<?:6C]D