Russia: UN rights expert launches first official visit

Russia: UN rights expert launches first official visit to assess effect of international unilateral sanctions

GENEVA (21 April 2017) – United Nations human rights expert Idriss Jazairy will visit the Russian Federation from 24 to 28 April to investigate the impact of international unilateral sanctions on human rights and make recommendations on how any negative effects can be mitigated or eliminated.

“I want to examine, in the spirit of co-operation and dialogue, whether and to what extent the adoption, maintenance or implementation of current unilateral sanctions impedes the full realization of the human rights of individuals,” Mr Jazairy says.

“I will pay particular attention to any negative impact that the unilateral sanctions imposed have on the enjoyment of all human rights, including economic and social rights many of which were identified in my reports to the Human Rights Council,” Mr. Jazairy added.

The UN Human Rights Council established the Special Rapporteur’s mandate in September 2014, following concern by the UN human rights system and the international community about the negative impact of unilateral sanctions on the human rights of the civilian population.

The Special Rapporteur will meet representatives of the Government as well other officials and groups, including civil society organizations, the national human rights institution, and representatives of the business and diplomatic communities in Moscow.

A press conference will be held at the conclusion of the visit, on 28 April 2017, at 11 a.m., at the Interfax Information Agency at 2, Tverskaya-Yamskaya Ul, Moscow. Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report of his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2017.

ENDS

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