Wed Sep 25 07:37:10 UTC 2024: ## UK Condemns Russia’s Worsening Human Rights Situation at UN
**Geneva, Switzerland** – The UK has strongly condemned Russia’s deteriorating human rights record, calling it a “sobering picture” and highlighting the “widespread and systemic application of oppressive legislation” by the Russian government.
This statement was made by Simon Manley, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, during an interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation.
Manley expressed concern over the intensified persecution of political opponents and the creation of a “climate of fear” within Russia. He cited the tragic death of Alexei Navalny as a stark example of the risks faced by those who speak out against the Kremlin.
The UK representative emphasized the need for Russia to meet its international obligations and pledged to hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
Manley also drew a connection between Russia’s domestic repression and its aggression abroad, stating that the international community must hold Russia accountable for both.
The UK expressed support for the Special Rapporteur’s request to travel to Russia to investigate the situation firsthand and offered assistance in facilitating this mission.
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