Transformation of the Status of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People in the Ukrainian Legislation

Article Information

Title: Transformation of the Status of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People in the Ukrainian Legislation

Journal: Journal of European Studies (JES)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30

Publisher: Area Study Centre for Europe, University of Karachi

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2024

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Language: English

Keywords: MejlisQurultayMinoritiesCrimean TatarsCrimean annexationUkraine policy

Abstract

From the beginning of Ukraine's independence in 1991, Crimean Tatars began effective political activity to restore their right to live in Crimea as indigenous people and to maintain a decisive role in Kyiv’s relations with the regional government of Crimea. Qurultay (representatives’ body) and Mejlis (executive body) were recreated to represent the Tatar people. The Mejlis adopted acts that did not have necessarily binding legal force, however, it was recognized and integrated into the Ukrainian legal system in 1999 through a presidential order. Policy recommendations of Mejlis were considered noteworthy in decisions made by Ukrainian authorities regarding issues of the Crimean Tatars particularly and Crimea in general.
The focus of the paper is to study the transformation of Ukrainian supremacy in Crimea and the status of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar in pre- and post-2014. It is based on historical data on Crimean Tatars and analyses the legal acts and policies adopted by the highest authorities of Ukraine related to the subjects of the Mejlis. During the political events of ‘Euromaidan’ that took place in Ukraine in 2013-14 and the Russian annexation of Crimea through a referendum in 2014, the topic of the autonomy of the Crimean Tatars became a relevant issue of human rights and placed as a priority area in the agenda of the Ukrainian government. This research also serves as a case study of the minority group of displaced people who need someplace to stay and settle.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To study the transformation of the status of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people within Ukrainian legislation from 1991 to 2014 and its post-2014 evolution, particularly in light of the Euromaidan events and Russian annexation of Crimea.

Methodology

The research employs a normative approach, analyzing legal acts and policies adopted by Ukrainian authorities. It utilizes logical methods (analysis and deduction of legal acts), historical methods (examining historical events related to the Mejlis and Qurultay), and comparative methods (analyzing changes in the Crimean Tatar agenda within the Ukrainian parliament).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Historical Data on Crimean Tatars] --> B[Analysis of Legal Acts and Policies];
    B --> C[Study of Mejlis Status Pre- and Post-2014];
    C --> D[Logical Analysis of Legal Acts];
    C --> E[Historical Analysis of Events];
    C --> F[Comparative Analysis of Parliamentary Agenda];
    D --> G[Identification of Legal Transformations];
    E --> G;
    F --> G;
    G --> H[Formulation of Findings and Conclusions];

Discussion

The paper traces the historical context of Crimean Tatars, their displacement, and their re-establishment of representative bodies like the Mejlis and Qurultay. It highlights the evolving relationship between the Mejlis and Ukrainian authorities, from initial non-recognition to increasing integration, particularly after 2014 when the issue of Crimean autonomy became a priority. The discussion also touches upon the challenges faced by Crimean Tatars, including historical persecution and the impact of Russian annexation.

Key Findings

Initially, the Mejlis adopted acts without binding legal force. However, it was gradually integrated into the Ukrainian legal system, with its policy recommendations becoming noteworthy in Ukrainian decisions concerning Crimean Tatars and Crimea. Following the 2014 annexation, Ukraine significantly strengthened its legal recognition of the Mejlis and the rights of Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people.

Conclusion

The Mejlis has transformed from an unrecognized body of a national minority to an officially recognized representative body of the Crimean Tatar people, designated as indigenous in Ukraine. This transformation is largely a result of Ukraine's legal steps to integrate Crimean Tatars into its society and support those in Russian-held Crimea, especially after 2014.

Fact Check

* Crimean Tatars began returning to Crimea and engaging in effective political activity after Ukraine's independence in 1991. (Confirmed by text)
* The Mejlis was integrated into the Ukrainian legal system in 1999 through a presidential order. (Confirmed by text)
* In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea following a referendum. (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...

DefinePK

Select Collection