Russia Defends Rights Record at UN Review

Russia defended its rights record at a UN review, while Western countries called on it to end domestic repression and its war in Ukraine.

Geneva: Western countries have repeatedly called on Russia to end domestic repression of dissident voices and its war in Ukraine, citing human rights violations related to the conflict. The appeals were made during a regular review of Russia's human rights record at the UN's top rights body.

Russia Defends Its Actions

A delegation from Moscow, led by State Secretary and Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, defended Russia's right to ensure law and order by restricting some forms of protest or voices that might threaten domestic security. Loginov also asserted that Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine had no bearing on the subject matter of the review.

UN Review Process

The three-and-a-half-hour hearing in Geneva was part of the universal periodic review (UPR) exercise, which all UN member states face about every four or five years. The UPR is conducted by the UN-backed Human Rights Council.

International Condemnation of Russia

Russia has faced widespread international condemnation since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Two separate teams of UN-backed investigators have been tasked with looking into rights abuses carried out in Ukraine and domestically in Russia.

Western Countries Denounce Russia's Actions

During Monday's session, Western countries strongly criticized Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children, crackdown on civil society, and arrest of rights defenders, including Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza. They also condemned Russia's restrictions on the rights of LGBTQI people and those protesting against the war.

Ukraine's Ambassador Condemns Russia's Actions

Yevheniia Filipenko, Ukraine's ambassador to UN institutions in Geneva, presented evidence of Russia's gross and systematic human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. She denounced the ongoing attacks on civilians, including killings, torture, rape, and deportations, and vowed to hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Russia Defends Its Security Measures

Russian officials defended their security measures, stating that restrictions were aimed at preventing disruptions that could compromise security. They also defended their stance on gender issues.

Mixed Reactions from the International Community

While some countries, particularly Moscow's allies and others in the developing world, congratulated Russia on its achievements, such as the protection of the rights of disabled people, many expressed concerns about the state of human rights in the country.

Russia's Response to Recommendations

Loginov stated that Russia would listen to all recommendations that align with its constitution, but not those related to Ukraine. He emphasized the challenges faced by Russia due to international sanctions and restrictions on its role in world institutions.

The review of Russia's human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council highlighted the deep divisions within the international community regarding Russia's actions. While Western countries strongly condemned Russia's domestic repression and war in Ukraine, others chose to focus on Russia's achievements in certain areas. The outcome of the review remains to be seen, but it is clear that the international scrutiny of Russia's human rights record will continue.