The UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation
“As of today (October 7, 2022), the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. Luxembourg, a member of the HRC since January 1, 2022, preceded the preparation and led the negotiation of this resolution, as pen holder (penholder), on behalf of a group of 26 States, all of which are members of theEuropean Union [1].
Under the terms of this resolution, the HRC decides to number a special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation for a period of one year (renewable). The person in question, who remains to be appointed by the President of the HRC, will have to follow closely the human rights situation in Russia, collect, examine and evaluate all the relevant information that may come to him from all the parties concerned, including including from Russian civil society working either inside or outside Russia. In his or her work, the special rapporteur takes into account the dimensions of age, gender and disability of populations who are victims of human rights violations. He or she cooperated with the other UN human rights mechanisms that are already in place, in order to be able to present written reports with recommendations for the attention of the HRC and the UN General Assemblyduring their 54th and 78th sessions respectively in 2023.
Alerted by the deterioration in respect for human rights in Russia denounced in particular in the statements of the UN Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights acting and in human rights treaty body reports, the 26 initiators of the text have been appointed in Luxembourg to coordinate the negotiation of the final text submitted this Friday to the vote of the CDH.
Luxembourg accepted this task, in particular for institutional and political reasons. According to its founding resolution A/RES/60/251, the HRC is responsible for promoting universal respect and the defense of all human rights and all fundamental freedoms, for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equitable manner, as well as examining violations of human rights Human Rights, particularly when these are flagrant and systematic, and to make recommendations on them. The activities of the Council are guided by the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, as well as informed by constructive international dialogue and cooperation. During its mandate at the HRC (2022-2024), Luxembourg treats support for the rule of law, civic space and human rights defenders, as well as the fight against impunity as a priority of son action. Luxembourg strives to make a useful and active contribution to the work of the Human Rights Council. Luxembourg is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of all human beings.
The resolution was adopted by 17 votes in favor, 6 votes against and 24 abstentions. This result is unequivocally in favor of the resolution, without ignoring the high number of abstentions.”
Jean Asselborn
[1] Luxembourg, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia , Spain, Sweden
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs