HRC63 - EU Statement - Situation of human rights in the Russian Federation EU Introductory Statement
UN Human Rights Council
63rd session – Item 4
L.12 – Introductory statement
Situation of human rights in the Russian Federation
EU Introductory Statement
Mr. President,
I have the honour to present on behalf of the European Union, the draft resolution L.12 titled “Situation of human rights in the Russian Federation”.
The resolution builds on the last year’s text and reflects the latest findings of the Special Rapporteur, treaty bodies and other human rights mechanisms.
The goal of the resolution is to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for another year so that this UN expert can in an independent and objective manner continue reporting to the international community. This mandate is a lifeline for Russian civil society.
Extrajudicial killings of government critics, erosion of political pluralism, a further intensifying systematic crackdown on civil society, independent media, journalists, Indigenous Peoples, and minorities in Russia is met with impunity.
Those brave enough to speak out or protest peacefully, who defend the victims of repression in courts or document systematic use of torture, including by medical personnel, need to know that the international community sees what is happening and is not blind to their plight.
Opposition leaders and human rights defenders have been killed or poisoned, national security legislation is instrumentalised as a tool of repression, courts and Interpol red notices are misused for political purposes, while organizations and people, including children are designated as “terrorists”, “foreign agents”, “undesirable” or “extremists” for expressing their views.
No one who speaks up is safe, whether in or outside of the country, as Russia intensifies its transnational repression, including through targeted violence and measures preventing access to property, financial, administrative or consular services.
Control and surveillance, censorship and disinformation, and even complete blockages of the internet, limit access of all persons in Russia to independent information. It should be underlined that when there is nothing to hide, no government needs to keep their people in the dark.
Children are not spared of human rights violations. Schools are increasingly politicized and militarized, impeding the right to education,
Violence against women continues to intensify. All of this is reflected in the draft resolution.
Mr. President,
The Council is guided by constructive dialogue and cooperation. Yet, Russia has refused repeatedly to engage in two open informal consultations despite receiving the draft text in advance.
The continuous deterioration of the human rights situation in Russia justifies continued monitoring. No country is above international scrutiny.
The principles of sovereignty and non-interference in a state’s internal affairs do not free states from their obligations under international law.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all delegations that have engaged in the negotiations, and we call upon all members of this Council to support the adoption of the L.12 draft resolution.
Thank you.