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EU-Russian Relations: The Persistent Human Rights Challenge

News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International

AI Index: IOR 61/005/2006 10 February 2006


EU-RUSSIAN RELATIONS: THE PERSISTENT HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGE


(Brussels, 10 February 2006) Human rights will not be on the agenda of the G-8 meeting in St. Petersburg this weekend, but the EU and its Member States cannot ignore the on-going abuse of rights and degradation of democratic values by their host, says Amnesty International.

The human rights organization has conveyed to EU leaders the message that, as the EU deepens a strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, it must send a clear signal that it expects its partner to fully respect human rights standards.

Amnesty International welcomes Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s invitation for NGOs to contribute to the G8’s agenda. It points out, however, that such invitations are not consistent with recent domestic practices.

The clampdown on civil society organizations highlights a worrying trend that includes severe limitations of freedom of speech. The international community has so far failed to confront Russia effectively about these practices.

The continuation of gross human rights abuses in Chechnya and the impunity for those responsible is the gravest manifestation of the lack of accountability shown by the Russian authorities.

"The EU would be failing its own values by not addressing this human rights crisis at every opportunity with the urgency it requires", said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International’s EU office. "If Russia wants to be a lead player in global affairs it must be ready to accept scrutiny and respond to criticism".

As the Russian Federation prepares to take over the chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe next May, there is an even greater need for it to live up to its human rights commitments.

At the G8, the EU will have an important opportunity to stress the need for Russia to address its outstanding obligations under the European human rights framework.



For further comment/background and interviews:
Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels)
Tel: +32-2-5021499
Fax: +32-2-5025686
Email: AmnestyIntl@aieu.be
Web-site: http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetSJabocGUciLAxLb/


All AI documents on Europe and Central Asia:
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maaetSJabocGVciLAxLb/


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posted by Annamarie at 8:00 PM