RUSSIA: In an election that will be viewed as a crucial measure of its international status, Russia is vying to reenter the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Russia, after it invaded Ukraine in April 2022, was removed from the UN Human Rights Council. However, Russian diplomats are working to secure a new three-year term for their nation on the council. A position paper has been obtained by the UK media from Russia, and the voting is expected next month.
Russia has pledged to find adequate solutions for human rights issues and prevent the Human Rights Council from becoming an instrument serving the political wills of one group, possibly the West. Diplomats claim Russia is attempting to restore lost international respect after accusations of violating human rights in Ukraine and within its borders.
The commission’s chair, Erik Mose, has highlighted evidence of war crimes, including torture and rape. UN special rapporteur Mariana Katzarova has also highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia, with opponents subjected to arbitrary detention and torture.
The UN Human Rights Council, which has 47 members, will see a competition between Russia and Albania in the upcoming elections.
All 193 members of the UN General Assembly in New York will participate in the voting. Diplomats claim Russia is wooing minor nations with promises of grain and weapons in exchange for their votes. As per the Russian position paper, it aims to promote cooperation and constructive dialogue to find adequate solutions for human rights issues.
Russia argues that its membership will prevent the Human Rights Council from serving the political interests of one group of countries and punishing non-loyal governments for their independent policies. In April 2022, 93 members of the UN General Assembly voted in favour of suspending Russia from the council, with Moscow blaming the United States and its allies for its expulsion.
A study by UN Watch, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights argues that Russia is unqualified to join the Human Rights Council, stating that re-election would be counterproductive and send a negative message.
Russia’s disregard for the UN Charter is evident in its human rights abuses and violations in Ukraine and against its citizens, as highlighted by the UN’s special rapporteur on Russia, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.
The Russian re-admission to the Human Rights Council is seen as a backward step, damaging its credibility, and the administration should engage nations that have previously voted withheld to uphold the UN’s core principles, the shadow foreign secretary David Lammy stated.
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