Wed Sep 25 07:33:11 UTC 2024: ## Nordic and Baltic States Condemn Russia’s Human Rights Abuses at UN
**Geneva, Switzerland** – The Nordic and Baltic states, represented by Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, have strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing human rights violations at the 57th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In a video statement delivered on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, Minister Braže highlighted the findings of the latest report by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova. The report details Russia’s systematic suppression of dissent, silencing of independent media, spread of disinformation, and repression of civil society organizations.
Braže further drew attention to the link between Russia’s internal repressions and its ongoing aggression against Ukraine, which poses a grave threat to international peace and security. She underscored that Russia’s invasion and disregard for international law have created a climate of fear and terror within the country.
The Minister emphasized the use of political prisoners, including human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists, as leverage for the Russian government. She called for the mobilization of all international instruments to hold Russia accountable for its grave human rights violations.
The statement was delivered during an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, expressing strong support for the continuation of her mandate.
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