Speech

44th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Russia

Simon Manley, the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, delivered a statement during Russia’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Simon Manley CMG
Published
14 November 2023
Location:
Geneva
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Simon Manley CMG

Thank you, Mr President

Where does one start? Since the last UPR, Russia’s repression at home has intensified, enabling its oppression overseas, not least the continuing atrocities in Ukraine, many of which the Commission of Inquiry and OHCHR consider amount to war crimes.

The UK recommends that Russia:

  • Cease the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and within the temporarily Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine; and immediately returns all affected Ukrainian children.

  • Release all those detained on political grounds, such as Alexei Navalny, or for opposing the war, including Vladimir Kara-Murza.

  • Repeal legislation that enables its crackdown on anti-war protest, independent media and civil society.

Published 14 November 2023