Statement of the Representative of the Russian Federation on the side event on human rights situation in the West

(9 July 2021)

Distinguished colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

We would like to commend our Belarus colleagues for convening this timely and very important event.

Present day cooperation in the field of human rights is characterized by a number of alarming trends, including a growing politicization of issues related to the promotion and protection of human rights. Unfortunately, despite the repeated discussion at various levels of the principle of universality of human rights and the seemingly universal understanding of the essence of the issue, the practice of "double standards" in assessing certain situations in the field of human rights is still widespread. We clearly observe a situation when countries that consider themselves to be so-called developed democracies actively use human rights issues for their own geopolitical purposes. They openly criticize the human rights situation in countries, the policies of which they do not like, countries that have their own independent foreign policy agenda and that defend their own historical, cultural, religious values and norms. At the same time, these so-called democracies overlook existing serious shortcomings not only among their allies, but also in their home states.

The Russian Foreign Ministry closely monitors the human rights situation around the world, including in Western countries. The post of MFA Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was created exactly for this reason. Within his mandate the Commissioner presents on a regular basis thematic reports drawing attention to the increasing number of human rights violations in countries around the world. The most recent report was released just yesterday.

Despite the legal mechanisms created and functioning within the framework of the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe that deny, condemn and do not allow the glorification of Nazism, racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, in a number of countries we are witnessing widespread dissemination of racist ideas and values. We see a growing number of xenophobic and racist manifestations, outbursts of aggressive nationalism, chauvinism, and other forms of racial and religious intolerance in countries on both sides of the Atlantic. The authorities of these countries justify their inaction with regard to manifestations of intolerance by hypocritical references to the allegedly absolute nature of the right to freedom of expression. In addition, the authorities of some states are beginning to use these manifestations as a pretext for cracking down on legitimate political opponents.

The problem of protecting the rights of national and ethnic minorities, primarily linguistic and educational ones, remains extremely acute. The situation is most serious as concerns the situation of the Russian-speaking population in the Baltic states and in Ukraine, where this population is subjected to systemic pressure and discrimination by the national authorities.

We note serious gaps in the functioning of law enforcement agencies in Western countries, including their use of racial profiling, abuse of powers often leading to the death of those who are considered to be offenders. Cases of excessive use of force and the use of special means to disperse peaceful protests have become more frequent.

It is also regrettable that in Europe, which for centuries evolved on the basis of a Christian, highly moral culture, traditional values and norms are increasingly being attacked by supporters of an ultra-liberal ideology who aggressively impose their ideas about morality.

Due to time constraints it is impossible to address all concerns regarding the human rights situation in Western countries. The gravity and complexity of problems faced by them in the field of promotion and protection of human rights require further transparent and comprehensive consideration. In this regard we welcome today`s event and wish its participants a fruitful and constructive discussion.

Thank you for your attention.