Interactive dialogue with the Unites Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation

We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation and welcome the extended mandate.

We strongly condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we have witnessed accelerating repression in Russia.

Russia has become a country where media freedom is further limited through war censorship, amplified by the propaganda and disinformation. Russia is a country where the authorities severely limit the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression, both online and offline. Russian authorities undermine the independence of the judiciary, and the guarantees of fair trial. We repeatedly call Russia to release political prisoners. These are all reasons for the necessity of the role of a Special Rapporteur.

The Special Rapporteur has presented a thorough compilation of recent legislation in Russia that has restricted human rights protection guaranteed by international human rights law and standards. It provides a clear picture on necessary measures to reverse the repressive trend in Russia.

We call on the Russian authorities to bring domestic legislation into compliance with its obligations under international human rights law, and to cooperate with all United Nations human rights mechanisms. This includes constructive communication with the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and to grant the mandate holder access to its territory.

Madame Special Rapporteur, with due appreciation to your report, which issue(s) (not covered by the current report) merit your particular attention in the course of your next mandate?

Thank you.