Our people struggle for the right to self-determination to the historical Native land — Crimea. Aspiring to reach such big purpose, we frequently miss possibility to use those rights which already are available in the Ukrainian legislation.

It is a question of the rights listed in article 11 of the Constitution of Autonomous republic Crimea. So, in article 11 about languages of the documents certifying the status of the citizen in Autonomous republic Crimea, it is said that «according to the legislation of Ukraine, in Autonomous republic Crimea the official documents certifying the status of the citizen, — the passport, the work record card, documents on education, the birth certificate, marriage certificate and others, — are carried out in an Ukrainian language and Russian languages, and under the petition of the citizen — on Crimean Tatar language».

The legislation guarantees that any citizen of Ukraine living in Autonomous republic Crimea, can submit the petition on passport reception, the document on education (the certificate about leaving school, the diploma etc.), the birth certificate, marriage certificate and other documents on Crimean Tatar language also.

Among the acquaintances I have not found anybody who uses this right. Moreover, many people even did not hear about it.

As it seems to me, the Crimean Tatars should address with similar statements in соотвествующие proper bodies. After all to have the basic documents of the citizen on native Crimean Tatar language — is one of achievements in revival of our people. Imagine how it would be pleasant to receive the birth certificate of the child on Crimean Tatar language. After all these documents accompany us all life and if they have a Crimean Tatar variant such fact will counteract assimilation of the Crimean Tatars.

I can imagine that authorities will be not delighted, but agree the law, they should execute norm of the law and if corresponding bodies refuse it will be possible to appeal against the given decision in judicial bodies.

Perfectly I understand that each Crimean Tatar person has enough everyday problems and not all have the juridical education, therefore it seems to me that representative bodies of the Crimean Tatars and Crimean Tatar human rights organisations can assist in reception of documents on Crimean Tatar language.

For this petitions have mass character it is necessary to organise campaign, and national mass-media should support it.

Guliver Altin, the president Associations «France-Crimea» (France)

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