On 17 April, Permanent Representative Olha Kuryshko presented a state award of Ukraine to Suleiman Mamutov, a human rights defender and the expert member and rapporteur of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from Ukraine, on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 289/2026 of 1 April 2026, he was awarded the Order of Merit, 3rd Class.

Suleiman Mamutov received the award for his significant personal contribution to strengthening Ukrainian statehood under martial law, defending the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for his civic and human rights activities.

Throughout his career, he has repeatedly defended the rights of the Crimean Tatars at the UN, having himself been born in the places of deportation of the Crimean Tatar people in Uzbekistan. Therefore, his award is particularly important and symbolic, as it reflects the journey of the Crimean Tatar people — from deportation and the struggle for their rights to their recognition.