Pillay's statements on Russia do not fit her status - ministry
MOSCOW. July 18 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, to refrain from politically motivated statements on Russia in relation to a number of laws passed by the State Duma.
"It is with bewilderment that we perceive Pillay's attempts to meddle publicly in the Russian legislative process," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday.
"Legal changes are the prerogative of the legislative branch of a sovereign state, and outside meddling in this activity, wherever it is coming from, is unacceptable," he said.
"We see the statement made by Pillay as one that does not fit her status as a High Commissioner, and her attempts to publicly accuse the first persons of the Russian state of failing to fulfill some 'promises' are outside the diplomatic ethics," the diplomat said.
"We hope that in future Pillay will refrain from politically motivated and incorrect statements which are clearly inconsistent with the constructive nature of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the institution of High Commissioner and the Office led by her," the spokesman said.
"Lawmakers in any country are entitled to propose the initiatives they consider most relevant and consistent with the public needs," the diplomat said.
"In this context, calls by the High Commissioner on the Russian government to effectively put pressure on parliamentarians and 'limit the negative effect' on their legislative acts are clearly inappropriate," he said.
It was reported earlier on Wednesday that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has voiced concerns over a series of laws recently adopted in Russia that may in her opinion impact the human rights sphere.
"In just two months, we have seen a worrying shift in the legislative environment governing the enjoyment of the freedoms of assembly, association, speech and information in the Russian Federation," Pillay said.
"At least four new legal provisions have been made that will have a detrimental effect on human rights in the country," she said.
Speaking about the law imposing a tougher punishment for unsanctioned rallies and marches, Pillay noted that "in effect, it is now more difficult and costly for those holding alternative views to engage in public protests."
"The right of peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Russian constitution and in regional and international treaties to which Russia is party. I urge the Government to ensure that its laws are in line with its international human rights commitments and national legal framework," she said.
"Given the many concerns raised about this bill by the Presidential Council on Human Rights, civil society and human rights experts, a full independent public review of this law should be conducted," she said.
Pillay also criticized the a restrictive new law on non-commercial organizations which would require all NGOs that receive foreign funding to register as 'foreign agents'.
"It is very disappointing that laws are being passed that are restricting civil society space instead of ones designed to create an environment that would help civil society enhance human rights promotion and protection," she said.
Speaking about the law reinstating slander as a criminal count, she pointed out that "there is a lot of concern that making defamation a criminal offence will stifle all criticism of Government authorities and limit the ability of individuals to address issues of transparency, corruption and abuse of power."
"We have also seen worrying reports that further legislative changes are being considered that would curtail freedom of expression in the mass media," Pillay said.
"I urge the government of the Russian Federation to avoid taking further steps backwards to a more restrictive era, and to make strenuous efforts to limit the detrimental effects of the laws and amendments already passed over the last few weeks," she said.
"Criticism and debate may sometimes be uncomfortable for the authorities, but they are crucial elements in developing any society. So are strong, independent media and civil society organizations that can exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly in order to push for progress," Pillay concluded.
