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

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

• Location: Geneva
• Delivered on: 13 November 2023 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

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