Mariana Katzarova started work as the first UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation on 1 May 2023, following her appointment by the Human Rights Council.
“My mandate was created in response to the many challenges currently faced by the Russian people,” Katzarova said. “I hope that through my work, they will have a voice at the international level and that together we can find ways to ensure their rights are better upheld and enjoyed.”
The Special Rapporteur’s mandate was created by HRC Resolution 51/25 which cites concern over “the significant deterioration of the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, in particular the severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association…resulting in systematic crackdowns on civil society organizations”. The Human Rights Council also expressed its concern “at the reported mass arbitrary arrests, detentions and harassment of civil society representatives, the deterioration of the rule of law”, and “the mass forced shutdowns of civil society organizations and independent media outlets” among other restrictive measures.
“I am committed to reporting on and assessing the situation in Russia and I recognise the critical importance of the UN human rights system in seeking to improve the protection of human rights in the country,” Katzarova said.
“I hope the Russian Government authorities will extend their cooperation to my mandate and allow me to visit the country. The viewpoints of all stakeholders are important for a thorough assessment of the human rights situation in Russia.”
“The challenge is far greater than the capacity of one individual, so I am seeking the cooperation and assistance of others: organisations, institutions and individuals, both inside and outside the Russian Federation.”
The Special Rapporteur will present her report in September 2023 to the 54th session of the Human Rights Council and to the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in October 2023.
