Russia has no place in the UN, which stands for basic democratic values and the protection of human rights, Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs (JV) emphasized while addressing the UN Human Rights Council.
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As informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Rinkevičs noted that we have been witnessing human rights violations by Russia in Ukraine for more than a year. He emphasized that last year the international community reacted strongly by suspending Russia’s participation in the UN Human Rights Council.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia praised the work of the UN Human Rights Council and the Commission of Inquiry established by it to document and investigate human rights violations committed by Russia in Ukraine. Rinkevičs emphasized that Russia’s crimes cannot go unpunished.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia expressed his strong support for the decision of the UN Human Rights Council to establish the mandate of a special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia. It is important to ensure the full-fledged work of the special rapporteur in order to effectively monitor human rights violations and repression against civil society in Russia.
Rinkevičs called for continued monitoring of the human rights situation in Belarus. He stated that Latvia condemns repression against peaceful protesters, independent media and civil society organizations. According to the minister, Latvia will continue to support the work of civil society and independent mass media.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia emphasized that during various conflicts, women and girls are often subjected to gender-related violence. Latvia supports women and girls who suffered from Russian atrocities in Ukraine. Rinkevičs pointed out that victims of violence receive psychological support, as evidenced by the establishment of a rehabilitation center in Ukraine for victims of war crimes. In his opinion, gender equality should be one of the priorities for a safe and just society.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia emphasized that human rights are the basis of freedom, justice and peace. He noted that the international community should be united in protecting the principles of human rights embedded in the declaration.
Rinkevičs also met with the newly elected UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and the Secretary General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebecca Greenspan. Rinkēvičs emphasized to Tirk that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights makes a significant contribution to the protection of human rights. The minister expressed Latvia’s support for the office’s independence, and also pointed out the need to ensure sufficient funding for it.
Regarding the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on human rights, the minister stated that the UN structures should take a leading role in ensuring Russia’s responsibility for the crimes committed in Ukraine. Russia should compensate for the damages, the Latvian politician said. The international community should also continue to pay attention to internal repression and human rights violations in Russia and Belarus.
In the conversation with Greenspan, the involvement of the UN in solving the food crisis caused by the Russian war in Ukraine was discussed. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia emphasized that the disinformation spread by Russia about the causes of the food crisis should be countered.
