On October 19, the 4th international conference "Crimea Global. Understanding Ukraine through the South" took place in Kyiv. The event focused on deepening the dialogue between Ukraine and countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as discussing the consequences of the occupation of Crimea and Russian aggression against Ukraine. The event was organized by the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the ZMINA Human Rights Center, and the Media Initiative for Human Rights.

Participants in the conference also included the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Olha Kuryshko, the Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, Refat Chubarov, and representatives from countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including human rights defenders, scholars, and journalists.

In his remarks, Yevhen Perebyinis emphasized that adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter, along with respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, are fundamental prerequisites for international security. Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its full-scale aggression against Ukraine have demonstrated the dangers of disregarding these principles—consequences that extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

The Deputy Minister underscored that the issue of Crimea concerns not only the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity but also the protection of human rights and the rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people. He drew attention to the systematic repressions against residents of the temporarily occupied peninsula, which have forced tens of thousands of people to leave Crimea. Yevhen Perebyinis also highlighted the global consequences of Russian aggression, specifically the threats to freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and to global food security. He urged international partners to strengthen measures to protect civilian shipping and port infrastructure, and emphasized the importance of the "Food from Ukraine" initiative, which aims to support people in need of food assistance, primarily in African countries.

In this context, the Deputy Minister noted the importance of deepening cooperation with states in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to address global food challenges, ensure the unimpeded export of Ukrainian grain, and prevent famine in the most vulnerable nations.

In conclusion, Yevhen Perebyinis stressed that the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea is of fundamental importance—not only for Ukraine itself but also for upholding a just international order, in which borders are not altered by force and violations of international law entail accountability.