UNITED NATIONS THIRD COMMITTEE: INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN RUSSIA
Statement by Ms. Clare Skinner, First Secretary, Australian Mission to the United Nations
27 October 2025
Thank you Chair.
The findings in this report are damning and show the extent of President Putin’s continued contempt for human rights within the Russian Federation and in the context of Russia’s illegal and immoral war on Ukraine.
We are appalled by reports of continued widespread and systematic torture, and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment by Russia against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. We call on Russia to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including with respect to prisoners of war and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, and to immediately cease its aggression against Ukraine.
Australia is deeply troubled by Russia’s ongoing crackdown on civil society, human rights defenders, opposition voices and minority groups, including LGBTQIA+ people. We are concerned by Russia’s continued censorship and control of independent voices, including through ongoing intimidation and increasing restriction of internet freedoms. Russia’s application of ‘extremism’ legislation, and laws on ‘foreign agents’ and ‘undesirable organisations’ denies Russians their human rights, including rights to freedom of expression and association.
Special Rapporteur, what more can the international community do to support ordinary Russians and independent voices who remain in Russia?
Thank you.