HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ADOPTS OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW ON BANGLADESH AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Human Rights Council
MORNING

10 June 2009



The Human Rights Council this morning adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review on Bangladesh and the Russian Federation.

Md Mustafizur Rahman, Counsellor at the Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that the conduct of the Review had been a productive and rewarding experience for Bangladesh, obliging it to give a deeper look into the situation in the country, and to identify possible areas where more attention was required. It had offered an opportunity to engage all relevant Government agencies as well as civil society in the human rights discourse within the country. The interactive dialogue in the Working Group was very productive - Bangladesh had learnt how its situation and efforts were perceived by the international community, and noted with great satisfaction that there had been a positive recognition of efforts made. Some accomplishments were considered as examples of best practice. Despite many achievements, Bangladesh was also aware that there were a number of shortcomings and room for improvement.

In the discussion on Bangladesh, speakers said that the report and presentation reflected Bangladesh’s positive attitude towards the United Nations and the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. They welcomed that Bangladesh had accepted almost all recommendations by the Working Group. They also underlined Bangladesh’s wish to fight poverty, its important success in implementing human rights, the progress that had been made in education and the efforts made to promote the rights of women and girls. Bangladesh should consider acceding to core treaties to which it was not a party. Bangladesh was particularly suffering from the consequences of the economic and financial crisis which required the international community even more to provide it with technical assistance. Speakers also drew the Council’s attention to child labour; extrajudicial killings; the situation of indigenous peoples; and police violence in Bangladesh.

Speaking during the discussion on Bangladesh were the representatives of Pakistan, Venezuela, Qatar, Cuba, Belarus, Bahrain, China, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan. The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Asian Legal Resource Center, Action Canada for Human Rights and Development, International Working Group for Indigenous Affairs and International Human Rights Association of American Minorities.

Georgy Matyushkin, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation, said that the information the Russian Federation had received during the Universal Periodic Review process was very useful. The Russian Government had approved more than 70 per cent of the recommendations. With the remaining recommendations, Russia expressed partial agreement. The Russian Federation was committed to cooperation with the Council and to promoting human rights in general. In carrying out the recommendations, Russia would take into account freedom of thought, expression and religion; dignity of human beings; development of national cooperation in this area; and active participation in the Human Rights Council activities. Even in the context of the economic crisis the Russian Federation would not lower social protection in the country, quite the contrary. Russia would also continue to accede to international agreements and conventions. Russia wanted to extend its international obligations, among others, by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In the discussion on the Russia Federation, speakers applauded the efforts undertaken by Russia in the field of education and the promotion and protection of human rights of people with disabilities. Speakers also noted the rich cultural background of Russia and its important role in world history. The information on the rights of persons with disabilities and the judicial reform was inspiring. Speakers commended the Russian Federation on accepting the majority of the recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review. Speakers also raised issues regarding the independence of lawyers and judges; racist declarations in the media; hate crimes committed against gay, bisexual or transgender persons; the deteriorating environment for Russia’s civil society; and indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities.

Speaking during the discussion on the Russian Federation were the representatives of Pakistan, Venezuela, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Cuba, Belarus, Sri Lanka, China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Germany. The following non-governmental organization expressed their views: Indian Council of South America, Rencontre Africaine Pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme, Canadian HIV/Legal Network, Human Rights Watch, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs and International Commission for Jurists.


The next meeting of the Council will meet at 3 p.m. this afternoon when it will proceed with the consideration of the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review process on Cameroon, Cuba and Saudi Arabia.


Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on Bangladesh

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the Universal Periodic Review of Bangladesh was held in February 2009. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh had attended the review, which reflected the importance the Government attached to this new human rights mechanism. The conduct of the Review had been a productive and rewarding experience for Bangladesh, obliging it to give a deeper look into the situation in the country, and to identify possible areas where more attention was required. It had offered an opportunity to engage all relevant Government agencies as well as civil society in the human rights discourse within the country. The interactive dialogue in the Working Group was very productive - Bangladesh had learnt how its situation and efforts were perceived by the international community, and noted with great satisfaction that there had been a positive recognition of efforts made. Some accomplishments were considered as examples of best practice. Despite many achievements, Bangladesh was also aware that there were a number of shortcomings and room for improvement.

Several delegates referred to Bangladesh's deficits. A number of recommendations were made; most of the questions and recommendations presented were challenging, yet constructive. They had been taken very seriously, and had been carefully examined before finalisation of the response, which latter was being circulated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Government had accepted almost all recommendations and action had been initiated to implement some of the recommendations. One or two could not be accepted as these were in conflict with Bangladesh's Constitution, legal provisions or deeply held social values. Bangladesh's commitment to the promotion of human rights was not limited to these recommendations, and the country was convinced that it needed to continuously pursue higher norms and standards, be it in the area of human rights or in socio-economic development. There was the necessary institutional framework in place to address all human rights challenges. Most of the human rights challenges were rooted in poverty and underdevelopment. Bangladesh would continue to strive for further progress, and was confident that there would be significant progress to report in the next review.

MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said that the presentation of the national report by the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh at the Universal Periodic Review was a manifestation of the priority the newly elected Government attached to the promotion and protection of human rights. Indeed Bangladesh’s acceptance of almost all recommendations made to them during their review testified to its commitment to uphold the human rights of its citizens in accordance with international human rights standards. Recommendations not taken on board were clearly those that neither fell under the rubric of the international human rights standards nor conformed to its national laws, commitments and cultural values. Pakistan commended Bangladesh for its upright stance and took note of the explanations provided in cases where the full extent of specific recommendations was not taken on board.

FELIX PENA RAMOS (Venezuela) said that Venezuela appreciated the presentation of the delegation of Bangladesh which proved its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process. Venezuela was grateful for the replies given throughout the process and in particular to questions posed by Venezuela. The response with regard to the strategy to reduce poverty in remote regions of Bangladesh and on women living in poverty was also noted with interest. Venezuela stressed the valiant efforts made by Bangladesh in all its territories to achieve its objectives, which had been realized by the efforts made in this process.

MANSOOR ABDULLA AL-SULAITIN (Qatar) said the report on the development of the situation of human rights in Bangladesh was appreciated, as was the cooperation witnessed from Bangladesh with the Working Group. Bangladesh had ratified most of the main international instruments on human rights, and worked to implement human rights within the context of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular education for all. The efforts deployed by the Government were considerable, focusing on the vital fields in the centre of the challenges faced, such as economic and social development, human rights, poverty alleviation, and support for the human rights of women. As the successes of Bangladesh were welcomed, and the cooperation with the Review process, Qatar called on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the international community to provide technical assistance to enable Bangladesh to face its challenges in human rights, particularly environmental and climate challenges that impacted on the enjoyment of human rights.

JUAN ANTONIO QUINTANILLA ROMAN (Cuba) said that Cuba recognized that Bangladesh had accepted most of the recommendations made. The efforts made by Bangladesh were outstanding and praiseworthy. The acceptance of the recommendations reaffirmed Bangladesh’s efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights. Bangladesh was a developing country and was particularly suffering under the current economic and financial crisis. It had made particular progress in the field of women’s rights. Bangladesh was undertaking serious efforts to meet the need of its citizens in fields such as health care, housing and education.

YEVGENY LAZAREV (Belarus) noted with satisfaction the high quality of the national report prepared by Bangladesh, and welcomed the constructive approach taken during the Universal Periodic Review process. Unfortunately Belarus was not able to speak during the Working Group meetings on the report of Bangladesh; however it supported that a number of recommendations made were accepted, in particular on the strengthening of the rights of women and children, measures in the fields of education and health care and on eradicating poverty. Belarus also noted with satisfaction that Bangladesh agreed to all recommendations made on ensuring the rights of all vulnerable citizens. Once again Belarus noted the constructive participation of Bangladesh during the Universal Periodic Review, and wished them all the success in creating and developing the necessary mechanisms to promote and protect all human rights.

MUNA ABBAS RADHI (Bahrain) said the measures taken by Bangladesh to implement the recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review in February were appreciated - it had taken a number of these, showing that it was committed to giving new impetus to the human rights in the country, and to cooperate with the international community. Bangladesh had set up a Commission to provide legal and medical assistance to women, as well as homes for women in need. Efforts were made to end hunger and improve the situation of children. The Council should adopt the report on Bangladesh.

SHEN YONGXIANG (China) said that Bangladesh had presented its efforts and achievements in promoting and protecting human rights. It had also given a frank account on the difficulties it was facing. China welcomed the fact that the Bangladeshi Government was taking active measures to implement the recommendations. China was convinced that Bangladesh would make progress in the implementation. China hoped that the international community would provide the necessary technical assistance to Bangladesh. China expressed its sympathy to Bangladesh because it had suffered a violent tropical storm recently.

SELMA MALIKA HENDEL (Algeria) welcomed the comprehensive presentation and comments made by the delegation of Bangladesh. Algeria highly appreciated the acceptance by Bangladesh of 40 out of the 42 recommendations submitted to it during the presentation of its national report. It was a testimony of this country’s firm commitment to the promotion and protection human rights as well as of its spirit of openness and constructiveness in dealing with the Universal Periodic Review process, despite the challenges and constraints facing it. Algeria understood the explanations given regarding the two recommendations rejected by Bangladesh. Algeria welcomed the reforms undertaken in the field of enhancing economic rights so as to alleviate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Algeria reiterated its call to the international community to assist Bangladesh to combat poverty.

HEBA MOSTAFA RIZK (Egypt) said Bangladesh had succeeded through its Universal Periodic Review process to share its experiences and good practices in relation to providing and ensuring food security for its people, attaining the right to education as well as political participation in addition to other achievements and strides towards the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. This not only required but encouraged the international community to extend assistance to the Government of Bangladesh based on its needs assessment in order to enable it to advance further on all human rights tracks. The Government was commended on its continued efforts, as well as upholding its sovereign right to implement its national laws and legislation based on the universally-agreed human rights norms and standards, especially in relation to the death penalty.

ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) said that the position of Bangladesh reflected its stance towards the United Nations and its attitude towards the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Saudi Arabia welcomed Bangladesh’s wish to fight poverty. It had presented an ambitious national programme, especially helping women and children. It had also provided clear and transparent information on the challenges faced by certain parts of the population. This required the international community to help Bangladesh to meet those challenges.

SAEED AL HABSI (United Arab Emirates) welcomed the positive efforts made by the delegation of Bangladesh to introduce the application of the recommendations deriving from the Universal Periodic Review process. Bangladesh supplied the Human Rights Council with a full presentation reflecting developments the Government wished to take with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights. In particular, the United Arab Emirates welcomed the measures taken on promoting the rights of children, and the adoption of a new law on child labour. The United Arab Emirates also appreciated the initiative taken to provide focal points in ministries for disabled persons and the ministry for tribal and ethnic matters which aimed to promote social and economic integration. The United Arab Emirates was sure that Bangladesh could meet the challenges facing it, and pledged to provide assistance and aid to the country.

ABSAL SAPARBEKULY (Kazakhstan) said Bangladesh was thanked for its commitment to the Universal Periodic Review process, and there should be a continuation of the dialogue with civil society in the follow-up and implementation of the Review. Bangladesh had achieved important success in preventing poverty and implementing human rights. Bangladesh should consider acceding to core treaties to which it was not a party. Progress had been made in education, particularly for girls - the role of women in society was very important, and the efforts made to promote the rights of women and girls were applauded. The Government should address problems faced by children, including child labour. The challenges of Bangladesh in providing full rights to its citizens were understood, and it was supported in reaching the Millennium Development Goals.

SAYEED AHMED, of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, said that the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development remained dismayed about extrajudicial killings; despite the electoral manifesto pledges and the Foreign Minister’s announcement at the last Universal Periodic Review Working Group session regarding the policy of zero tolerance, such killings had continued to take place without any substantive efforts to investigate or take appropriate action. Alarmingly, in the period from January to May 2009 at least 25 people had been killed extrajudicially by the Rapid Action Battalion, the police and the army, with the Government defending such actions as self defense.

MICHAEL ANTHONY, of Asian Legal Resource Centre, welcomed the fact that the situation of human rights in Bangladesh had received some attention through the Universal Periodic Review process, as this had been lacking in the regular work of the Council. Grave violations during the period under review included endemic torture; widespread violations of women’s rights; at least 1,000 extrajudicial killings by the police and Rapid Action Battalion; and a state of emergency in which press freedom was restricted. Fundamental rights were suspended and mass arrests and repression took place. Impunity persisted for these. It was regrettable that Bangladesh did not accept recommendation number 19 concerning a moratorium on the death penalty. Moreover, it was deeply disappointing that Bangladesh did not see fit to accept recommendation 12 calling for a standing invitation to be issued to all special procedures.

ADNAN HOSSAIN, of Action Canada for Population and Development, said the report of the Working Group clearly showed the commitment of Bangladesh to protecting the rights of its citizens in many ways. Bangladesh acknowledged the need for special training for the law enforcement agencies, and it should incorporate into its training programme issues of the transgender community which often fell prey to police violence. The Government should have a special gender/sexual minority unit within the National Human Rights Commission and should undertake systematic documentation of the rights and violations they faced. It should also take into consideration the particular vulnerabilities of intersex and effeminate children.

LEE SWEPSTON, of International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, said that the situation of the indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts was extremely precarious. Widespread human rights violations including torture, killings, sexual violence against women and the dispossession of indigenous peoples’ land by Bengali settlers and military personnel were regularly reported. The Chittagong Hill Tracts remained heavily militarized, which reinforced the human rights violations committed against indigenous peoples in the region. The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs noted the Government’s call to end impunity and assert due process and recommended that the issue of impunity for human rights violations should be addressed by holding independent and impartial investigations into such reports.

MAJID TRAMBOO, of International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, congratulated the Government of Bangladesh for the progress made to meet the ideals set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Bangladesh had one of the lowest standards of living in the world, where poverty was rampant. The International Human Rights Association of American Minorities considered that the continuation and expansion of existing and envisaged programmes would lift many out the poverty in which they lived. Corruption was still common place in many institutions as well as extrajudicial killings. The Government of Bangladesh should continue efforts to attain equality of rights between men and women. The International Human Rights Association of American Minorities urged Bangladesh to ratify the treaties outlined in the Universal Periodic Review report. The value of an impartial judiciary could not be over emphasized in the pursuit of human rights. Further, child labour was still common place and steps should be taken to eradicate this.

MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked those who had shown their support and solidarity to Bangladesh, and those who had expressed solidarity following the recent cyclone. With regards to the statements of civil society, they had raised a number of issues, mostly raised by the Minister during the dialogue with the Working Group, and some were also covered in the written submission. The Universal Periodic Review was primarily an inter-Governmental process, but civil society had an important role to play in it, and Bangladesh had therefore consulted non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during the process, but had wished it could have heard more, as they commented on a first-hand basis. The Council should facilitate the participation of national NGOs in the future. Bangladesh was committed to working with civil society, as it already did. Bangladesh did not claim that everything was all right in the country, and acknowledged that there were grounds for improvement. The Government was making every effort in this regard, but Bangladesh was a small country, for which full implementation was a daunting challenge. Expectations therefore should be realistic, and there was a legislative framework for dealing with violations. Careful note had been taken of all observations, suggestions and comments made today, and they would be referred back to the Government which would take them into account. Bangladesh viewed the Universal Periodic Review as a continuous process, not a one-time exercise. The deliberations today were the first part - the second part began tomorrow, with implementation of accepted recommendations.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Bangladesh.

Consideration of Outcome of Universal Periodic Review on the Russian Federation

GEORGY MATYUSHKIN, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation, said that the information the Russian Federation had received during the Universal Periodic Review process was very useful. The Russian Government had approved more than 70 per cent of the recommendations. With the remaining recommendations, Russia expressed partial agreement. The Russian Federation was committed to cooperation with the Council and to promoting human rights in general. In carrying out the recommendations, Russia would take into account freedom of thought, expression and religion; dignity of human beings; development of national cooperation in this area; and active participation in the Human Rights Council activities. Even in the context of the economic crisis the Russian Federation would not lower social protection in the country, quite to the contrary. Russia would also continue to accede to international agreements and conventions. Russia wanted to extend its international obligations, among others, by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The implementation would not be limited to outfitting buildings with entrances for persons with disabilities, but would also include education specifically for the needs of persons with disabilities.

Changes were underway in the reform of the Russian legal system, among others, regarding the independence of judges and lawyers. The State Duma had approved a law on the Russian judicial system and had established courts for juvenile offenders. The quality of medical and sanitation services in prisons would be raised and steps undertaken to fight congestion in Russian prisons. Russia would also continue constructive dialogue with non-governmental organizations in view of bringing about changes in the Russian legislation to bring it in line with international standards. Measures had been taken to guarantee full independence of the mass media, also regarding new technologies. The Russian Federation was one of the most multi-ethnic societies. The recommendations that the Russian Federation had received would be duly taken into account when drawing up the programmes in that sphere, for example in the field of education. Russia would expand international cooperation in the field of human rights.

MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) thanked the Russian delegation for the detailed comments presented. The Russian Federation had been actively and constructively engaged in every step of the Universal Periodic Review process, and made valuable contributions to that end, which reflected the importance it attached to the process. It was encouraging that the Russian Federation had accepted a majority of the recommendations made, almost 70 per cent, which also underlined the constructive attitude put forth by Russia with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights. Reforms intended to improve the justice system were welcomed. Pakistan wished the Russian Federation all the success in fulfilling the recommendations accepted, which would lead to the effective promotion and protection of human rights of their citizenry.

FELIX PENA RAMOS (Venezuela) said Russia was to be commended for its cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review process and the inclusiveness of the wide range of consultations held in preparation for the report. The information provided was satisfactory, and the replies provided during the Review were welcomed, in particular on the implementation of a national priority plan on health. The achievements made in the reduction of child mortality and the expansion of immunisation campaigns were recognised, as were the efforts made to improve the promotion and protection of human rights on its territory.

FAISAL ABDULLA AL-HENZAB (Qatar) said that Qatar appreciated the openness of the Russian Federation with regard to the Universal Periodic Review. Qatar also appreciated the acceptance of the majority of the recommendations made by Qatar, especially those regarding the improvement of the situation of persons in prisons and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Qatar wished the Russian Federation all success in the implementation of the recommendations so that Russia could present an even better report in four years time.

SELMA MALIKA HENDEL (Algeria) welcomed the delegation of the Russian Federation and thanked its members for the additional information given to the Council concerning the follow-up to the recommendations made during the fourth meeting of the Universal Periodic Review. Algeria welcomed the efforts made by the Russian Federation to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance at the national level and the international level, and for taking a decisive role during the Durban Review Conference. The Russian Federation’s intent to improve the situation of detainees was proven through the effective follow up to that recommendation. Algeria encouraged the country to continue to expand international cooperation for the promotion and protection of all human rights by promoting dialogue with all groups in the Human Rights Council. Algeria expressed every wish for success to Russia in the implementation of the recommendations accepted.

BADRIDDIN OBIDOV (Uzbekistan) said the Russian Federation had provided detailed information during the Universal Periodic Review process in February. Russia’s constructive approach to the Review process was welcomed, and a positive view was taken of the broad spectrum of work done in Russia to implement the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Russia was taking consistent efforts to promote and protect human rights, which had allowed it to constructively participate in every stage of the Universal Periodic Review. In the Working Group, Russia's achievements in the area of protecting the rights of women and children, the right to education, freedom of religion and others had been welcomed. Uzbekistan wished Russia every success in implementing the recommendations made during the Review process and in achieving further progress in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.

JUAN ANTONIO FERNANDEZ PALACIOS (Cuba) said that the Russian Federation was rich in history and cultural background and had been widely recognized for its attitude of solidarity with the causes of the third world. There was no field of human endeavor to which the Russian Federation had not made a contribution. The Review showed that the Russian Federation had clearly defined its means, objectives and priorities in the field of human rights. In the area of education, the report had shown that the Russian Federation had provided access to free pre-school education. Cuba also noted the high number of specialized centers for the education of persons with disabilities, as well as measures taken to reduce poverty.

YEVGENY LAZAREV (Belarus) noted the very constructive and responsible attitude shown by the Russian Federation during the course of the Universal Periodic Review process. Belarus welcomed the fact that the Russian Federation accepted the recommendations it made on the improvement of the rights of the child and trafficking in human beings. Belarus recommended that in light of the global economic and financial crises, the Russian Federation should continue the implementation of programmes aimed at promoting and protecting the economic rights of its citizens. It was noted with satisfaction that the Russian Federation paid attention to the recommendations made at both the national and international level. Belarus also noted with interest the work the Russian Federation was engaged in with the International Academic Centre for Migration. Belarus encouraged the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level. Belarus wished the Russian Federation success in the further implementation of measures with respect to the recommendations accepted.

DAYAN JAYATILLEKA (Sri Lanka) said Sri Lanka applauded the remarks made by the Russian delegation here today, as well as the role played by the Russian Ambassador in the Human Rights Council, in the Universal Periodic Review process and in the Durban Review Conference. Sri Lanka recognised that this discussion on human rights, these institutions, none would have been possible if not for the sacrifices made by Russia and the Russian people. The overwhelming burden of the fight against Nazi fascism was borne by Russia, and the greatest sacrifices were made by Russia and its people, without which the rest of the world would have found that this discussion on human rights would have been postponed by many decades, and a dark age would have fallen on the world. Russia faced many difficulties, including centuries of Tsarism and the economic downturn from which it had emerged. The struggle for human rights took place against this historic background, and Sri Lanka applauded that Russia had found a way of strengthening human rights, the individual and society, without weakening the State or society.

LI BAODONG (China) said that during its Universal Periodic Review, the Russian Federation had had a frank discussion with all countries and had accepted an overwhelming number of recommendations made. China welcomed the responsible attitude shown by the Russian Federation. The information on the rights of persons with disabilities and the judicial reform was inspiring. China had every reason to believe that in four years time the Russian Federation would present an even more impressive report and would reaffirm its solemn commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights.

HEBA MOSTAFA RIZK (Egypt) appreciated the comprehensive presentation given by the Russian Federation. Egypt commended the achievements of the Russian Federation on the path to consolidating its democratic system, while also overcoming the economic and social challenges towards the establishment of stability and prosperity in the country. Egypt also expressed appreciation for the efforts exerted by Russia in the fields of achieving better social security and the overall effective realization of all economic and social rights through the integration of a human rights approach in drawing up its national strategies and programmes. Egypt commended the constructive approach and openness exercised by the Russian Federation throughout the Universal Periodic Review process, which demonstrated its commitment to cooperate with the Council and other human rights mechanisms.

ABDULWAHAB ABDULSALAM ATTAR (Saudi Arabia) said there was excellent information in the comprehensive statement delivered by Russia. Russia had a positive approach to the Council, and Saudi Arabia welcomed and commended the acceptance of the majority of the recommendations, and applauded efforts made to implement them. It was evident that Russia had the political will needed not only to deal positively with the international human rights mechanisms, but also to protect and promote human rights in a positive manner through the establishment of laws and mechanisms. Russia was determined to continue to upgrade legislation in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms and implement plans for additional measures to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms.

OBAID SALEM SAEED AL ZAABI (United Arab Emirates) said that Russia’s high level participation in the Universal Periodic Review was proof of Russia’s high attachment to human rights. The United Arab Emirates expressed its satisfaction with the achievements of Russia in the field of human rights and wished them success in the implementation of the recommendations and hoped that the Council would take into account those achievements when adopting the outcome on the Russian Federation.

RONALD BARNES, of Indian Council of South America, welcomed the delegation of the Russian Federation and congratulated them on the continued reforms made to move the country from a totalitarian regime to a democratic society. Since the former Commission on Human Rights it was noted that the Russian Federation had attained and adopted resolutions on racism and the integration of justice, which was welcomed. The Indian Council of South America congratulated the delegation of Russia with regard to the efforts made during the Durban Review Conference whose valuable efforts saved the Conference in some respects. The Indian Council of South America urged the Russian Federation to improve the integrity of the justice system, to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the rights of indigenous peoples in the country, and to accept the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to ensure that indigenous people enjoyed all their rights.

Mr. BIRO DIAWARA, of Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l'homme, said the opening of Russia to the market economy had led to a number of political and economic changes, as well as ethnic tensions and racial and religious hatred. There was a recent increase in violence and hatred and the proliferation of young neo-Nazi groups, racist and xenophobic declarations on the Internet and in the media, and a range of other forms of discrimination. Russia should take appropriate steps to implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law should be fully respected in accordance with international commitments in the area of human rights to which Russia was a party.

JOHN FISHER, of Canadian HIV/Legal Network, said that in the Russian Federation there had been numerous instances of restriction on the exercise of such rights as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. Peaceful events to promote respect for those who were lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender had been banned by the authorities, and those seeking to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly had been subject to arrest and violence. The number of hate crimes in Russia had grown steadily by some 15 per cent per year over the past five years and concrete actions were urgently needed to combat this wave of violence. The organization urged the Government to take measures to ensure that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity was prohibited by law.

JULIE DE RIVERO, of Human Rights Watch, welcomed the Universal Periodic Review process on Russia as an important opportunity to highlight some of the most pressing human rights concerns that continued to mar the Russian Government’s human rights record, and for it to commit to concrete, urgently-needed human rights reforms to address them. A key concern raised during the Universal Periodic Review process was the hostile and deteriorating environment for Russia’s civil society, including threats and attacks on human rights defenders and journalists. Concerns were also raised about the restrictive law on non-governmental organizations adopted in 2006, which provided for excessive Government oversight and interference, and burdened non-governmental organizations in Russia with unreasonable bureaucratic requirements.

KATHRIN WESSENDORF, of International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, said with regards to the situation of the so-called indigenous, small numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and Far East of the Russian Federation, this term referred to 40 ethnic groups, from whose territories the bulk of natural resources was extracted, making up almost all of Russia's export revenues. During the Universal Periodic Review, Russia stated that it had adopted a national plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the situation of the indigenous peoples of Russia. It was hoped this plan would address the specific concerns made and recommendations issued by the Committee.

LUKAS MACHON, of International Commission for Jurists, said that it called for prompt and effective implementation of the outcome recommendations by the Russian Government. In particular, the organization urged the Government to provide for effective investigation, accountability and redress for violations of human rights, including for acts of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, secret and other arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance in the North Caucasus.

GEORGY O. MATYUSHKIN (Russian Federation) said speakers were to be thanked for the interest they had shown in the process of the Universal Periodic Review of Russia, and Russia shared the view of those who had deemed that the Review fully met the requirements set out by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. The endorsement given to Russia's approach to the Universal Periodic Review in all its phases was appreciated. Concerning in particular a number of statements by representatives of civil society and country delegates made at today's meeting, Russia's accession to the second Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the death penalty would depend on the view of Russian society in abolishing this de jure. As far as the de facto abolition, for the last 13 years there had been no executions and sanctions had committed prisoners to life or 25 years of imprisonment. The idea of ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers required in-depth study to determine whether specific provisions were acceptable in light of the Russian system. On ratification of ILO Conventions, legislation in force in the Russian Federation on indigenous was in a number of aspects more progressive and objectively better, reflecting the local characteristics. Concerning the International Criminal Court, this issue was currently under consideration, and Russia was of the view that this was a matter that was a prerogative of the State and it would consider this. The whole process of Russia's Universal Periodic Review had been characterised by openness. New comments made today would be taken into account during implementation of the recommendations received during the Review process.

MICHAEL KLEPSCH (Germany), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that the European Union agreed to the adoption of the outcome after wishing to clarify that a comment by the Russian Federation meant that the recommendation mentioned in paragraph 45 (on human rights defenders) did not enjoy the agreement of the Russian Federation. Germany of course respected the freedom of the Russian Federation to reject any recommendations and also expressed its thanks to the Russian Federation for its cooperation.

VALERY LOSHCHININ (Russian Federation) said at this point the Council was in the process of adopting a decision on the outcome of the Russian Federation’s Universal Periodic Review. This discussion should not to be of a substantive nature.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on the Russian Federation.

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