The U.N. human rights chief has urged for a swift end to the repression of independent voices in Russia and expressed concerns over the persecution of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who tragically passed away in prison last month. In a comprehensive speech, the chief highlighted numerous global conflicts, widespread human rights violations affecting millions, and displacements caused by war, particularly in regions like the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and Sudan.
Addressing the Human Rights Council, the chief raised alarm over escalating crises worldwide, emphasizing the need for urgent action. He criticized increasing restrictions on rights defenders, journalists, and critics in countries like India and called on U.S. authorities to ensure universal voting rights, especially for marginalized communities.
With Russia's presidential elections approaching, the chief condemned the intensification of repression against dissenting voices and the barring of certain candidates from running. The recent death of Navalny in Russian custody further fueled concerns about persecution, with many individuals facing legal repercussions for expressing their views on social media.
The chief called for a thorough review of cases involving the detention of individuals in Russia for exercising fundamental freedoms and demanded an immediate halt to the repression of independent voices and their legal representatives. He stressed the importance of maintaining an open space for dialogue and democratic participation in the country.
European Union representatives expressed outrage over Navalny's death, holding Russian political leadership accountable for the tragedy. The chief also criticized racially motivated police actions in some Western nations and called on China to revise its criminal procedure law to protect human rights defenders and others detained under vague charges.
While some criticized the chief for not condemning China's human rights record more strongly, China's ambassador in Geneva defended the country's stance on human rights, emphasizing a commitment to dialogue while rejecting external interference in internal affairs.
