By James Landale, Diplomatic Correspondent
Russia has put forward its bid to regain a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), sparking debates about its eligibility amidst accusations of human rights violations in Ukraine and within its own borders. The nation had previously been expelled in April of the previous year due to its military actions against Ukraine.
The BBC has exclusively acquired a position paper from Russia that is being distributed among UN members. Within the document, Russia pledges to provide “adequate solutions for human rights issues.” It also highlights its desire to prevent the council from being used as a tool to serve the political aspirations of a specific group of countries, believed to be a nod towards Western nations.
This bid is seen by many diplomats as an attempt by Russia to restore some semblance of its international reputation. The Council was informed of ongoing human rights abuses in Ukraine in a recent report. The findings presented evidence of war crimes, including torture, rape, and deliberate attacks on civilians.
Moreover, a report by the UN’s special rapporteur for Russia, Mariana Katzarova, from two weeks prior highlighted the deteriorating human rights situation within Russia. Critics of Russia’s actions in Ukraine have faced unwarranted arrests, torture, and mistreatment.
The voting for the new members of the Geneva-based council, which has a total of 47 members, will take place next month. For this election, Russia is up against Albania and Bulgaria for two seats reserved for central and eastern European nations.
Sources from the UN general assembly in New York have mentioned that Russia is aggressively campaigning for support, offering incentives such as grain and arms to smaller countries in exchange for their votes. Consequently, the possibility of Russia reclaiming a seat on the council seems plausible.
Russia’s position paper emphasizes its goal to “promote principles of cooperation” and calls for the establishment of a “mutually respectful dialogue” within the council to address human rights concerns. Russia believes that its membership would prevent the Council from serving the interests of specific countries, especially those who aim to punish nations for their independent policies.
The country’s suspension from the Council in 2022 saw 93 nations voting in favor, with 24 against and 58 abstaining. Russia holds “the United States and its allies” accountable for its loss of membership.
However, several human rights groups, including UN Watch, the Human Rights Foundation, and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights, have declared Russia “unqualified” for council membership. Their joint report states that re-electing Russia would undermine the council’s purpose and credibility.
The UK government has voiced strong opposition to Russia’s attempt to rejoin, citing the ample evidence of human rights abuses as a testament to Russia’s disregard for the council’s work.
While the Russian mission at the UN has been approached for a statement, a response is yet to be received.
