The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia for another year.
The decision to extend the mandate was made in a resolution that received the support of 18 Council members, while seven members opposed it and 22 abstained. This move comes after Russia’s bid to rejoin the Council was rejected by the United Nations General Assembly earlier this week.
Urgent Call for Compliance
The UNHRC “strongly urged” Russian authorities to comply with all international human rights obligations. The resolution called for the protection of fundamental freedoms, including those of thought, opinion, expression, and assembly. It also emphasized the need for Russia to remove restrictions on diversity in ideas, criticism, and dissent, as well as ensure the associated rights to liberty, security of person, fair trial, and freedom from torture.
Full Engagement and Cooperation
The resolution further called on Russia to engage fully and non-selectively with all UN human rights mechanisms, and to cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. It urged Russian authorities to provide unhindered access to the mandate holder, allowing them to visit the country, meet with relevant stakeholders, including civil society, human rights defenders, and individuals in detention.
Background and Role of the Special Rapporteur
The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia was established by the UNHRC in October 2022. The Special Rapporteur is an independent expert appointed to monitor, assess, and report on the human rights situation in the country.
In September, the Special Rapporteur issued a report highlighting a significant deterioration in human rights in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February the previous year. The report also described a systematic crackdown on civil society in the country.
The current Special Rapporteur, Mariana Katzarova of Bulgaria, was appointed on April 4 and assumed her functions on May 1. She serves in an individual capacity, independent of any country or the UN Secretariat. It is important to note that she is not a UN staff member and does not receive a salary from the organization.
The extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate demonstrates the UN’s continued commitment to monitoring and addressing human rights violations in Russia. By urging Russia to comply with its international human rights obligations and calling for full engagement and cooperation, the UNHRC aims to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms and the promotion of human rights in the country.
As the Special Rapporteur continues her work, it is hoped that her findings and recommendations will contribute to positive change and accountability for human rights abuses in Russia.
Key Takeaways:
- The UNHRC extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia for another year.
- Russian authorities were strongly urged to comply with international human rights obligations and remove restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
- Full engagement, cooperation, and unhindered access were called for to facilitate the Special Rapporteur’s work.
- The Special Rapporteur’s role is to monitor, assess, and report on the human rights situation in Russia.
- Individuals and organizations cooperating with UN human rights bodies should be protected from intimidation and reprisals.
The extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate underscores the UN’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for human rights violations and promoting a culture of respect and protection for fundamental freedoms.
