The Law on the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine. QIRIMLI/CRIMEANS

On August 9th, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is celebrated worldwide. On July 21, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law of Ukraine on Indigenous Peoples. The Crimeans have aspired to this throughout Ukraine's years of independence. The bill was introduced to the Verkhovna Rada on May 18 - the day of remembrance of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people.

The concept of the Law on the Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine has been a matter of discussion for quite some time. However, it was finally adopted only in 2021.

The law's first article states that the indigenous people of Ukraine should be formed within the territory of Ukraine, be the bearers of their distinct language, and not have their own state outside of Ukraine.

Such phrasing immediately made Putin bristle with anger because Russians obviously do not belong to such a group of people - they are definitely neither indigenous to Ukraine nor to Crimea. Putin in his interview said that dividing people into different groups, be it indigenous or non-indigenous, "first class" or "second class" people, reminds him of a theory and practice of Nazi Germany. Oh well. 

According to the law, the indigenous peoples in Ukraine include Krymchaks, Karaites, and Crimean Tatars.

The Crimean Tatars believe that this law is the first step in the right to self-determination and the ability to establish their own political status.

Establishing their own educational institutions and ensuring the guarantee of studying their own language is also essential.

It is clear why this law angered Russia: with it, Ukraine has loudly proclaimed the return of Crimea, as this law is part of the strategy for the peninsula's de-occupation.

Currently, for the complete restoration of the rights of the Crimean people, another law is needed - regarding the status of the Crimean Tatar people, as well as amendments to the 10th section of the Constitution of Ukraine. After all, the fundamental goal of the Crimean Tatars is statehood within Ukraine.