Hearing on the situation of Human Rights in Russia, focusing on discrimination, freedom of association and the rule of law

28 February, 9h15-10h30

Organiser: Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI)

Venue: Room PHS  5B1   (Paul-Henri Spaak), European Parliament, Brussels

The European Parliament has adopted numerous resolutions on Russia, underlining that the deepening of relations between the EU and Russia will depend upon improvement of the recognition and protection of human rights. Many social groups experience problems: among the most vulnerable are national and ethnic minorities and those who lack legal status (citizenship, residency), and who often live in extremely challenging social and economic conditions. These are mostly migrant workers, stateless migrants, undocumented citizens and those coming from different Russian regions and are reportedly subjected to ethnic discrimination.  Xenophobic attacks are excessively frequent and are notably committed by nationalist groups.

Human rights abuses are also allegedly committed by Russian and Russian-backed security forces, often in the name of anti-extremism. A culture of impunity surrounding such actions reigns, and the response of authorities is often inadequate.  The hearing will address these issues both in the North Caucasus and in the rest of the Russian Federation.

Freedom of association and of expression have also been challenged, with mounting discontent leading to frequent harassment of civil society organisations and activists, and obstacles to their work.

The hearing will also highlight human rights violations surrounding the death of lawyer Sergey Magnitsky, as they have come to exemplify problems in the rule of law, and of the independence of the judiciary, police and other public bodies. 

Opening by the Chair, Ms Lochbihler

Speakers

• Mr Oleg Orlov, Chair of Human Rights Centre “Memorial”, 2009 Sakharov Prize Winners (tbc - or representative),
• Mr Alexander Verkhovsky, Director of the SOVA Center for Information and Analysis
• Mr Vadim Kleiner, Partner, Hermitage Capital Management (employers of Sergey Magnitsky)
• Ms Evgenia Chirikova, leader of the Campaign for the Defence of the Khimki Forest
• Mr Michael Pulch, Head of Unit for Russia, EEAS

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