Institutional representation of indigenous peoples of Ukraine on the example of the mejlis of the crimean tatar people

Abstract

The article analyzes the mechanisms and practices of integration of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people into the system of public administration and civil society of Ukraine as an example of institutional representation of the indigenous people. It is shown how the Mejlis acts as an intermediary between the Crimean Tatar people, public authorities and the international community, ensuring political subjectivity and protection of the rights of the Crimean Tatars under the conditions of temporary occupation. Institutional and communicative-analytical approaches are used to study the formal and informal channels of interaction between the Mejlis and public authorities, mechanisms of its participation in the processes of lawmaking, strategic planning and implementation of state policy in the areas of reintegration, education, culture, security and human rights. Examples of activities within the framework of the Crimean Platform, cooperation with parliamentary committees, ministries and civil society institutions are considered. The results of the study show that the Mejlis consistently forms a multi-level system of interaction with state structures, which includes participation in advisory bodies and the development of regulations, as well as strategic communication with international partners. Its activities are aimed at creating conditions for the realization of the rights of the Crimean Tatar people within the Ukrainian legal system, despite the lack of consolidation of its legal status as a representative body of the indigenous people. The social, human rights and information activities of the Mejlis are of particular importance. The institution participates in the implementation of programs to support internally displaced persons, cooperates with the education system to preserve the linguistic and cultural environment, and acts as a national advocacy entity in legal processes. Media activity and analytical work strengthen the role of the Mejlis in shaping public discourse on the de-occupation of Crimea. It is emphasized that the Mejlis performs the functions of not only a representative but also an integrative body that demonstrates the ability to adapt, interact with the authorities and engage in the political process. However, the full legal institutionalization of this status requires the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to formalize the legal status of the representative body of the indigenous people in accordance with Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine “On Indigenous Peoples of Ukraine” and the Procedure for formalizing the legal status of the representative body of the indigenous people of Ukraine and deprivation of such status, including the finalization of a number of bylaws and amendments to some existing legislative acts of Ukraine, in particular, the electoral legislation and the introduction of mechanisms for quota representation of indigenous peoples.