Human Rights Council: 44th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Russian Federation

Mr President,

New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to speak on Russia’s UPR.  New Zealand continues to condemn unequivocally Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as a grave breach of international law.

New Zealand recommends that the Russian Federation:

1. Uphold the rights of all individuals to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as provided for in Russia’s Constitution.

2. Repeal Article 207.3 of Russia’s Criminal Code

3. Ratify the Second Optional Protocol of the ICCPR.

4. Investigate all allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment in detention.

5. Repeal all laws that discriminate against LGBTQI+ persons, [including the “LGBTQ propaganda” law, and the ban on legal gender recognition and gender-affirming interventions.]

Thank you Mr President.