Russia’s domestic repressions go hand in hand with its external aggression against Ukraine - Braze

RIGA - On September 24, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze (New Unity) addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic states, highlighting Russia’s brutal human rights violations against its people, LETA learned from the ministry.

In her statement, the minister referred to the latest report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova.

“Russia has systemically stifled dissent, silenced independent media, spread disinformation and repressed civil society organizations,” Braze underlined.

The Foreign Minister thanked the Special Rapporteur for her work and voiced strong support for the continuation of her mandate.

The minister also drew attention to domestic repressions in Russia going hand in hand with its external aggression against Ukraine threatening international peace and security.

Braze noted that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and blatant disregard for international law and human rights have fostered a climate of terror and fear across the country. “Political prisoners, including human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists are held hostage for leverage,” she emphasized.

The Foreign Minister recalled that all international instruments must be mobilized to hold Russia accountable for its grave human rights violations.

The statement delivered on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden was transmitted in a video format during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia as part of the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council is held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 9 to October 11, 2024.