UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on the Russian Federation
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.
Merci Monsieur President, and welcome to the Special Rapporteur.
Let me thank her for her report this morning. It鈥檚 a sobering picture in which she depicts a worsening human rights situation.
And it鈥檚 clear what we鈥檝e seen over the last year is a widespread and systemic application of oppressive legislation to further strengthen the Russian state鈥檚 oppressive hold over its own population and society. Just over that last year, it鈥檚 intensified its persecution of anyone it deems to be a political opponent. And it seems to be seeing enemies everywhere in Russian society, creating a climate of fear and making examples of specific individuals to intimidate the wider population.
Special Rapporteur, you noted in particular the deterioration of treatment of political prisoners. Of course, Alexei Navalny鈥檚 tragic death was a stark reminder to us all of the risks faced by those brave individuals who speak out against the Kremlin. 皇冠体育app Russian state has to meet its international obligations and we in the UK will continue to hold those responsible for the violations of such obligations to account.
Mr President, Russia鈥檚 repression domestically both enables and is driven by its aggression abroad, and the international community must hold Russia to account for violations of human rights both domestically and internationally.
Evidencing the scale of human rights violations is key. So we support your request, Special Rapporteur, to travel to Russia as part of your mandate and we welcome your suggestions this afternoon in how we might support you.