Needs Assessment for the Crimean Tatars and Other Formerly Deported Peoples of the Crimea
11 Pages Posted: 15 Aug 2013
Date Written: December 14, 2012
Abstract
Crimea, now part of independent Ukraine, is regarded by many Russians as part of their historical “homeland”, but is also home to many other ethnic traditions. It is currently the only region of Ukraine with a majority population of ethnic Russians, but is also home to almost 300,000 of the former deported peoples (FDPs), mainly Crimean Tatars, who were expelled under Stalin in the 1940s and have only able to return since the late 1980s. Their homecoming has been difficult. There is, however, not even a basic legal framework to define their position. The socio-economic status of the returnees remains extremely difficult. Some progress has been made in integration in the last twenty years, but not as much as was expected when the USSR disappeared in 1991. Rather, time itself is a factor, with a lack of progress leading to some signs of radicalization on all sides. Although much was done to help with the immediate problems of return in the mid-1990s, many longer-term tasks remain and the potential for future conflict remains high.
Keywords: Ukraine, Crimea, Crimean Tatars, repatriation, history, minorities, legislation
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