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17 March 1998
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Fifty-fourth session of the Commission on Human Rights
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by H.E. Mr. Youri V. Ushakov
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation
Geneva, 17 March 1998
Mr.Chairman,
Allow me first of all to congratulate you on your election to this high post. We believe it to be symbolic that the work of the jubilee session of the UN Commission on Human Rights shall be guided by the representative of the South African Republic - the country that has recently shaken off the chains of apartheid and is now steadily moving on the road of democracy.
Excellencies, Dear friends, colleagues,
The present session of the Commission is especially significant for it is held on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is regarded as a common standard of justice for the entire humanity. The Declaration streamlined one of the fundamental aims of the UN Charter - to promote"...respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all regardless of race, sex, language or religion".
Today it is approprate to remind that five years ago in Vienna 171 States reaffirmed the ideas and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The provisions of the Universal Declaration gave birth to more than 20 international treaties in the field of human rights, a lot of which gained almost universal recognition. They became the corner-stone of Constitutions of dozens of States, including Chapter 2 of the Constitution of Russia.
We need to acknowledge that during a long period of time after the World War II the potential of the Universal Declaration could not be fully revealed and implemented. Moreover, the sacred cause of protection of human rights was placed in the front lines of the cold war. Fortunately, this time has gone. We are convinced that during the transition to a multipolar world order the ideas enshrined in this important document would stimulate the drawing together of States and peoples.
We are in favour of a real affirmation of dignity and equality of a human personality. We reject the policy and practicies of "double standards" in the field of ensuring human rights. We favour the discussion of these issues without confrontation, and promote a respectful and constructive dialogue.
We completely agree with the High Commissioner Mrs.M.Robinson that all the governments, UN agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, representatives of business, academic and media circles must participate in the formation of a global partnership in the sphere of human rights and new forms of solidarity.
We call to follow changes in the field of protection of human rights, taking place in this or that country, to react more sensitively to them, to acknowledge progress, if present, and to undertake timely preventive measures so as not to allow a deterioration of the human rights situation. A balance between the rights to express legitimate concern over the promotion and protection of all human rights and the obligation to respect the sovereignty of independent States should be achieved.
We are especialy concerned that consideration of human rights from the point of view of the political moment, through the prism of "double standards" erodes the universality of the human rights and fundamental freedoms, the equality of human personality. Moreover, such an approach may lead to a loss of faith in the international community's ability to effectively protect "human rights for all", to empty the essence and meaning of the Universal Declaration for the sake of geopolitical plans and interests.
We cannot agree with such an interpretation of the Universal Declaration when storms of indignation because of human rights practices in some countries are replaced by a calm silence regarding others. In turn, silence creates impunity and leads to the triumph of the right of force over the force of law, undermines the basis of the Universal Declaration.
The existence of "double standards" approach towards the protection of human rights is proved, in particular, by the dramatic events in Latvia's capital Riga on March 3rd, when brutal force was used against pensioneers, who gathered to protest against their social, legal and psychological destitute. The way how some countries responded to these events, or did not, clearly shows that similar events in different capitals may be interpreted in different ways, and, by no means, with adequate criticism.
We would like to stress that police reprisals against pensioneers is yet another link in the chain of events in Latvia that have to do with nationalism, russophobia and disrespect for human rights and basic norms of humanity. It looks like the Latvian authorities do not want to recognize the root causes of the problem which go back to the continuing discrimination of minorities. First, they were collectively deprived of their citizenship and became overnight foreigners in their own country (and they are more than 700 thousand). Then, their right to use mother tongue and to teach their children in it was limited. The notorious ban to exercise professions for persons that are not citizens is still being cultivated in Latvia, they, for instance, can not even work as a pharmaceutist or a veterinary. The children of non-Latvians are born stateless.
Two years ago the international community believed Latvia's promises and struck the question of the situation of human rights in Latvia out of the agenda of the UN General Assembly. Russia hoped that Latvian leadership would draw the adequate conclusions. Unfortunately, everything went in the opposite direction. Many of the Governments' promises, and the majority of the key recommendations of international experts were not implemented in practice.
The international community must once and for all demonstrate a collective will and bring to an end the policy of insults to and humiliation of non-Latvian minorities in this country. We hope that the UN Commission on Human Rights' special procedures and treaty bodies will direct their special attention to the situation in Latvia. A silence about this question, especially in the year of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, is unacceptable. We would like to reiterate that "double standards" are dangerous for further implementation of this unique document.
Russia intends to introduce during this session a draft resolution on the question of discrimination of hundreds of thousands of people in Latvia because of their national origin.
Mr.Chairman,
Today the problems of national minorities become not only the central point on the international human rights agenda, but also a priority in the context of assuring security and stability. It is only possible to solve this extremely complicated and sensitive problems on the basis of proportionality between protecting and promoting the rights of national minorities and the principle of the territorial integrity of States.
These problems have recently become extremely acute in Kosovo, FRY. They were accumulated here during decades. The lack of a clear-cut will to reach a mutually acceptable decision, real political dialogue resulted in a radicalism of the Albanian community in Kosovo, rise of separatism and terrorism which, in turn, caused an excessive use of violence by the law-enforcement forces. It is likely that in this situation neither a hard line for the preservation of a status quo, nor extremist's claims for independence could be productive.
It is obvious that the international community can not remain indifferent to the situation in Kosovo and do not influence all those who are involved in the settlement of the crisis, paying, at the same time, due regard to the principle of non-interference into internal affairs.
We are convinced that only mutual concessions and compromise can bring an end to the interethnic confrontation in Yugoslavia and prevent the spreading of conflict. It is evident, that the settlement must be based on the respect for the territorial integrity of FRY.
Mr.Chairman,
It is necessary to say that we, in Russia, place high hopes on the reform of the human rights component in the work of the United Nations. We consider that the reform should be aimed at an equal and constructive dialogue on the questions of human rights, democracy and development, as well as depolitization of this sphere, consolidation of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as an integral component of the future system of international security. Speaking about the reform, we have in mind raising the effectiveness of work of the secretariat services and also the fine-tuning and upgrading of all the parts and tools of the UN human rights mechanism up to the level, which would meet modern requirements. We are convinced that this process must go on gradually, on the basis of open and broad consultations with all the groups of states and on all the aspects of the observance of personal rights, democracy and development.
I would like to mention that the jubilee of the Universal Declaration coincides with reforms undergoing in our country. I would also like to note that recently in Russia a number of the most important laws and programmes aimed at raising legal and social protection of a human being were adopted.
Under a Decree, signed by President Boris Yeltsin, the year 1998 was proclaimed the Human Rights Year in the Russian Federation. A National Committee was established and it worked out a comprehensive plan of action in the field of human rights. Some of its provisions have already been implemented. Thus, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the majority of its Additional Protocols, as well as the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been ratified. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the Charter of Local Self-Government has passed through the first phase of its ratification. There have been no executions in Russia for two years now. A conference is meeting in Moscow these days to discuss such an important issue for us as human rights and indigenous peoples in the national policy of Russia. The Plan provides for the adoption of laws on alternative civil service, minimum state social standards, new civil procedure and criminal procedure codes.
The protection of the rights of refugees and forced migrants, improving conditions in the penitentiary facilities are particularly important issues in the framework of the Human Rights Year. We also intend to lead a broad educational and information campaign about the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the universality of its principles.
Mr.Chairman,
In conclusion, I would like to stress that the Russian Federation attaches a great importance to the assuring of human rights. Guided by the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we will continue to take further practical measures in order to respond to the highest human rights and humanitarian standards.
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by H.E. Mr. Youri V. Ushakov
Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation
Geneva, 17 March 1998
Mr.Chairman,
Allow me first of all to congratulate you on your election to this high post. We believe it to be symbolic that the work of the jubilee session of the UN Commission on Human Rights shall be guided by the representative of the South African Republic - the country that has recently shaken off the chains of apartheid and is now steadily moving on the road of democracy.
Excellencies, Dear friends, colleagues,
The present session of the Commission is especially significant for it is held on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is regarded as a common standard of justice for the entire humanity. The Declaration streamlined one of the fundamental aims of the UN Charter - to promote"...respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all regardless of race, sex, language or religion".
Today it is approprate to remind that five years ago in Vienna 171 States reaffirmed the ideas and principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The provisions of the Universal Declaration gave birth to more than 20 international treaties in the field of human rights, a lot of which gained almost universal recognition. They became the corner-stone of Constitutions of dozens of States, including Chapter 2 of the Constitution of Russia.
We need to acknowledge that during a long period of time after the World War II the potential of the Universal Declaration could not be fully revealed and implemented. Moreover, the sacred cause of protection of human rights was placed in the front lines of the cold war. Fortunately, this time has gone. We are convinced that during the transition to a multipolar world order the ideas enshrined in this important document would stimulate the drawing together of States and peoples.
We are in favour of a real affirmation of dignity and equality of a human personality. We reject the policy and practicies of "double standards" in the field of ensuring human rights. We favour the discussion of these issues without confrontation, and promote a respectful and constructive dialogue.
We completely agree with the High Commissioner Mrs.M.Robinson that all the governments, UN agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, representatives of business, academic and media circles must participate in the formation of a global partnership in the sphere of human rights and new forms of solidarity.
We call to follow changes in the field of protection of human rights, taking place in this or that country, to react more sensitively to them, to acknowledge progress, if present, and to undertake timely preventive measures so as not to allow a deterioration of the human rights situation. A balance between the rights to express legitimate concern over the promotion and protection of all human rights and the obligation to respect the sovereignty of independent States should be achieved.
We are especialy concerned that consideration of human rights from the point of view of the political moment, through the prism of "double standards" erodes the universality of the human rights and fundamental freedoms, the equality of human personality. Moreover, such an approach may lead to a loss of faith in the international community's ability to effectively protect "human rights for all", to empty the essence and meaning of the Universal Declaration for the sake of geopolitical plans and interests.
We cannot agree with such an interpretation of the Universal Declaration when storms of indignation because of human rights practices in some countries are replaced by a calm silence regarding others. In turn, silence creates impunity and leads to the triumph of the right of force over the force of law, undermines the basis of the Universal Declaration.
The existence of "double standards" approach towards the protection of human rights is proved, in particular, by the dramatic events in Latvia's capital Riga on March 3rd, when brutal force was used against pensioneers, who gathered to protest against their social, legal and psychological destitute. The way how some countries responded to these events, or did not, clearly shows that similar events in different capitals may be interpreted in different ways, and, by no means, with adequate criticism.
We would like to stress that police reprisals against pensioneers is yet another link in the chain of events in Latvia that have to do with nationalism, russophobia and disrespect for human rights and basic norms of humanity. It looks like the Latvian authorities do not want to recognize the root causes of the problem which go back to the continuing discrimination of minorities. First, they were collectively deprived of their citizenship and became overnight foreigners in their own country (and they are more than 700 thousand). Then, their right to use mother tongue and to teach their children in it was limited. The notorious ban to exercise professions for persons that are not citizens is still being cultivated in Latvia, they, for instance, can not even work as a pharmaceutist or a veterinary. The children of non-Latvians are born stateless.
Two years ago the international community believed Latvia's promises and struck the question of the situation of human rights in Latvia out of the agenda of the UN General Assembly. Russia hoped that Latvian leadership would draw the adequate conclusions. Unfortunately, everything went in the opposite direction. Many of the Governments' promises, and the majority of the key recommendations of international experts were not implemented in practice.
The international community must once and for all demonstrate a collective will and bring to an end the policy of insults to and humiliation of non-Latvian minorities in this country. We hope that the UN Commission on Human Rights' special procedures and treaty bodies will direct their special attention to the situation in Latvia. A silence about this question, especially in the year of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, is unacceptable. We would like to reiterate that "double standards" are dangerous for further implementation of this unique document.
Russia intends to introduce during this session a draft resolution on the question of discrimination of hundreds of thousands of people in Latvia because of their national origin.
Mr.Chairman,
Today the problems of national minorities become not only the central point on the international human rights agenda, but also a priority in the context of assuring security and stability. It is only possible to solve this extremely complicated and sensitive problems on the basis of proportionality between protecting and promoting the rights of national minorities and the principle of the territorial integrity of States.
These problems have recently become extremely acute in Kosovo, FRY. They were accumulated here during decades. The lack of a clear-cut will to reach a mutually acceptable decision, real political dialogue resulted in a radicalism of the Albanian community in Kosovo, rise of separatism and terrorism which, in turn, caused an excessive use of violence by the law-enforcement forces. It is likely that in this situation neither a hard line for the preservation of a status quo, nor extremist's claims for independence could be productive.
It is obvious that the international community can not remain indifferent to the situation in Kosovo and do not influence all those who are involved in the settlement of the crisis, paying, at the same time, due regard to the principle of non-interference into internal affairs.
We are convinced that only mutual concessions and compromise can bring an end to the interethnic confrontation in Yugoslavia and prevent the spreading of conflict. It is evident, that the settlement must be based on the respect for the territorial integrity of FRY.
Mr.Chairman,
It is necessary to say that we, in Russia, place high hopes on the reform of the human rights component in the work of the United Nations. We consider that the reform should be aimed at an equal and constructive dialogue on the questions of human rights, democracy and development, as well as depolitization of this sphere, consolidation of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as an integral component of the future system of international security. Speaking about the reform, we have in mind raising the effectiveness of work of the secretariat services and also the fine-tuning and upgrading of all the parts and tools of the UN human rights mechanism up to the level, which would meet modern requirements. We are convinced that this process must go on gradually, on the basis of open and broad consultations with all the groups of states and on all the aspects of the observance of personal rights, democracy and development.
I would like to mention that the jubilee of the Universal Declaration coincides with reforms undergoing in our country. I would also like to note that recently in Russia a number of the most important laws and programmes aimed at raising legal and social protection of a human being were adopted.
Under a Decree, signed by President Boris Yeltsin, the year 1998 was proclaimed the Human Rights Year in the Russian Federation. A National Committee was established and it worked out a comprehensive plan of action in the field of human rights. Some of its provisions have already been implemented. Thus, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the majority of its Additional Protocols, as well as the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment has been ratified. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the Charter of Local Self-Government has passed through the first phase of its ratification. There have been no executions in Russia for two years now. A conference is meeting in Moscow these days to discuss such an important issue for us as human rights and indigenous peoples in the national policy of Russia. The Plan provides for the adoption of laws on alternative civil service, minimum state social standards, new civil procedure and criminal procedure codes.
The protection of the rights of refugees and forced migrants, improving conditions in the penitentiary facilities are particularly important issues in the framework of the Human Rights Year. We also intend to lead a broad educational and information campaign about the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the universality of its principles.
Mr.Chairman,
In conclusion, I would like to stress that the Russian Federation attaches a great importance to the assuring of human rights. Guided by the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we will continue to take further practical measures in order to respond to the highest human rights and humanitarian standards.