Thank you Mr President,

Madame Special Rapporteur,

46 journalists killed over the last two decades.

Dozens charged with treason in 2023 alone.

More than a 1000 reporters fleeing into exile since 2022.

These figures, documented in your report, together with the many other examples of egregious human rights violations committed by the Russian authorities, illustrate the severe curtailment of fundamental freedoms and the systematic crackdown on civil society in the country.

A concerning situation, which has only further deteriorated since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls on the Russian authorities to end their policy of repression against dissenting voices, and for the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Alexei Navalny.

Madame Special Rapporteur,

What can the international community do to support Russian journalists and media workers who want to report objectively and independently about Russia?

Furthermore, we are perturbed by the human rights situation of LGBTIQ+ persons in the country and the recent enactment of discriminatory legislation, which further restricts their rights.

To conclude, we would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her outstanding work and for providing this Council with detailed, objective and independent information on the human rights in Russia. We call on the Russian authorities to cooperate with and fully implement all recommendations by the Special Rapporteur.