Statement by H.E. Yuri V. Fedotov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Russian Federation at the High Level Segment during the 59th session of the Un Commission on Human Rights

20 March 2003



Madam Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The task of human rights protection, development and strengthening of international cooperation in this field is one of the pillars of the XXI century world order. A world order that is based on adherence to law and justice, on solidarity in the fight against new threats and challenges that have replaced the dangers of the period of block confrontation. Not only are these threats and challenges a serious trial for the emerging new system of stability on the planet, but they also hinder progress in the area of international human rights cooperation.

The goal of international institutions is to contribute by all means to strengthening the spirit of universal responsibility and interaction in tackling existing problems in the field of promotion and protection of human rights. Involving all interested parties into the process of discussing and adopting collective decisions rather than drawing new lines of confrontation that divide States into “good” and “bad” ones can produce tangible results in making the high human rights standards a reality for everyone. Constructive and targeted assistance, inter alia, on the international arena, to countries with problems in the field of human rights protection proved to be much more effective than politically motivated pressure and attempts to punish the “violators”.

In the year of the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it is vital to reaffirm the relevance and importance of the human rights protection regime established after the end of World War II - a regime based on the system of obligations in this field and mechanisms of their implementation by States.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has a unique role and responsibility in strengthening the foundations of inter-State cooperation in the human rights sphere. We have a shared obligation to assist Mr.S.Vieira de Mello in his efforts to create a business-like atmosphere within the Commission on Human Rights, to foster dialogue and cooperation.

Madam Chairperson,

Russia fully shares the notion of universality of human rights. It is, indeed, impossible to distinguish between civil, political, economic, social or cultural rights when we speak about providing adequate living conditions for all human beings. These rights are naturally interrelated. It is difficult to imagine true progress in respect for political rights and freedoms without efforts to secure sustainable development, eliminating poverty, fighting infectious diseases. Likewise, it would be much harder to find lasting solutions to social and economic problems without established democratic standards.

Among the threats and challenges to the international human rights protection regime there is one that endangers each and every country regardless of its geographical position and level of development. It is a threat that undermines the stability of government structures and causes immense suffering and hardship to ordinary people. The tragic events of 11 September 2001 have shown the type of crimes that this perfidious enemy, which cowardly strikes behind one’s back, can commit. This is our common enemy.

I am speaking about the threat posed by terrorists and terrorist groups. As the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action adopted 10 years ago at the World Conference on Human Rights rightly stated, “the acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations… are activities aimed at the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening territorial integrity, security of States and destabilizing legitimately constituted Governments”. The call of the World Conference to the international community to “take the necessary steps to enhance cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism” has also not lost its relevance.

I would like to once again underline that this is truly a global threat. We in Russia have a first-hand experience of this ourselves. Terrorists and their accomplices attempt to deny the most fundamental of all human rights – the right to life.

The link between terrorism and human rights has recently become even more evident. Russia has on numerous occasions declared its readiness and determination to develop and strengthen international counter-terrorist cooperation, including in its human rights aspect. The implementation of the initiative launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mr.I.Ivanov during the 57th session of the UN General Assembly to develop a code of protection of human rights against terrorism could become one of the specific steps in this direction.

There are well-founded reasons to believe that a military operation against Iraq without authorization from the UN Security Council and in a situation when the possibilities for a peaceful solution to the crisis have not been exhausted will lead to the increase of the global threat of terrorism.

We deeply regret that missile and bomb strikes were launched in spite of the position of the overwhelming majority of the international community and at a time when the prospects to disarm Iraq by way of inspections became reality.

A war would inevitably lead to a significant number of civilian casualties, to the destruction of an already fragile civil infrastructure. A threat of a humanitarian catastrophe with grave consequences for the protection of human rights has emerged.

Russia is of the view that the course of events should be reversed back to the framework of the international legal order.

Madam Chairperson,

The Government of the Russian Federation is fully committed to the goals of the promotion and protection of human rights in our country. Together with the legislative authority it makes every possible effort to provide for the highest attainable human rights standards in Russia.

This is equally applicable to the Chechen Republic which is an inalienable part of our country. Only the people itself can determine its own fate and adopt its constitution – the basis for a political settlement in Chechnya. As the President of the Russian Federation Mr.V.V.Putin stated, its approval will give the possibility to “elect truly democratic authorities based on the trust of people”. The referendum in Chechnya, scheduled for 23 March, is to open a new phase in the process of the Republic’s return to normal life. I would like to reaffirm that this is an initiative of the people of Chechnya itself. The overwhelming majority of its population are in favour of a peaceful solution of the difficult problems faced by the Republic. Law and justice should prevail.

Madam Chairperson,

The UN Charter enshrines the development of international cooperation in the promotion and respect for human rights and freedoms without any distinction as one of the goals of the United Nations. This is why the role of the Commission on Human Rights in attaining this goal could hardly be over-estimated.

Unfortunately, during the last several years progress in the work of the Commission has been stalled by a significant increase in the level of confrontation and politicization of the forum. We consider this tendency to be extremely dangerous, counter-productive and not contributing to the strengthening of the authority of the Commission in the eyes of those who’s rights it is mandated to protect. The Russian Federation believes that there is a need to change the tone of the discussion which at times becomes too accusatory and politically-motivated. It is also vital that States themselves review their approaches to discussing the issues on the Commission’s agenda.

Russia attaches great importance to the work of this principal UN human rights body and regards it as a crucial arena for developing a constructive dialogue on the whole spectrum of the topical issues on the human rights agenda. We are convinced that such a dialogue is not only possible but vital for the solution of many global problems which countries face during the present stage of international relations.