Recommendations to Russian Federation

STATEMENT

44th UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation, as delivered by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations. The Permanent Mission of Norway in Geneva.

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13 November 2023

President,

Norway strongly condemns Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed in Ukraine.

There is a clear connection between increasing internal repression and external aggression.

Norway remains gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation for freedom of expression, association and assembly and recommends the Russian Federation to: 

  1. Repeal the laws unduly restricting freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and revoke the sentencing of anti-war protesters, opposition figures, journalists and critics on political grounds;

  2. End persecution of, peaceful protesters, repeal legal restrictions and allow freedom of assembly;

  3. Stop abusing the legal system to limit freedom of association, repeal legislation on “foreign agents” and “undesired organizations” and cancel the closure of civil society organizations and media outlets;

  4. End pressure on Human Rights Defenders especially women, Indigenous Peoples, environmental activists, and persons belonging to LGBT+ and repeal discriminative LGBT+ laws.

Thank you!