MIP: The entry of foreign journalists and human rights defenders to the Crimea will be simplified

As a result of effective collaboration between the Ministry of Information Policy of Ukraine, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the Ukrainian human rights defenders, the procedure of entry to the occupied Crimea for representatives of foreign media and human rights organizations can be changed in September.

According to the Advisor of Minister of Information Policy Serhii Kostynskyi, “a simplified procedure of entry to Crimea for journalists and human rights defenders fully meets the national interests of Ukraine. In the occupied territories independent foreign experts should work who respect laws of Ukraine and recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity, whose aim to cover the human rights situation, freedom of speech and the press.”

Deputy Justice Minister Serhii Petuhov told that now Regulations are too restrictive for foreigners and stateless persons, because the procedure for obtaining a special permit to visit the Crimea is too complex.

“Now the Ministry of Justice decided to create a Coordinating Council for the protection of the rights of citizens of Ukraine in Crimea, the first task will be to make suggestions about the changes to existing Regulations. In the case of operational work, these proposals may be submitted for consideration of the Cabinet of Ministers in September,” Serhii Petuhov added.