UN Human Rights Council 60: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Russian Federation

Thank you, Special Rapporteur.

Your report's findings are stark and damning. Highlighting a 'seismic decline' in the human rights situation. Repression at home, aggression abroad.

The Kremlin claims to be acting for the benefit of the Russian people but crushes dissent, persecutes minorities and uses repressive legislation to consolidate a climate of fear. All to serve its own interests.

Russia must release all political prisoners, including those who have bravely opposed the invasion of Ukraine. You highlight that in the first half of the year 20 to 30 percent of all those in pre-trial detention were political prisoners. Civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists are serving lengthy prison sentences. Lawyers are also increasingly targeted for simply representing their clients. Your report illustrates how torture is 'widespread' within the judicial system - with at least 258 cases documented in 2024/25.

The Russian state's record on gender-based violence remains appalling. A relentless descent into lawlessness has allowed 'honour killings' with impunity in the North Caucasus. Convicts have been released to fight in Ukraine who have committed domestic violence on their return. LGBT+ people remain acutely vulnerable to persecution, particularly in the North Caucasus. Jehovah's Witnesses are imprisoned simply for practicing their faith.

Special Rapporteur, how can this Council continue to support your work to hold the Russian authorities accountable for their domestic human rights violations?

Thank you.