Right of reply item 3
Delegation of Ukraine
Mr President,
We exercise right of reply in response to statements of the Russian Federation in the framework of interactive dialogues with Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression and on extreme poverty, drawing their attention to the situation in Ukraine.
A general remark: it’s well-known that Ukraine, unlike Russian Federation, does have standing open invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council, and cooperates with them closely and transparently. Last year we received two special procedures visits, we expect one more this September, and we are currently in dialogue on possible visits of two others. Should any questions arise from any special procedure Ukraine would be ready to engage in a direct dialogue, without intermediary.
As to Russian remarks citing official censorship, mass and severe violations of the freedom of expression, when we heard it, we thought it was an exercise of commendable self-criticism; turned out, it wasn’t. While international actors mention further clamping down on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia, including by targeting freedom of expression, media and journalists, Russia prefers to accuse others of violations in this sphere.
Most of such violations, which happened lately in Ukraine and were reflected in OHCHR and OSCE reports, resulted from Russian aggression against my country starting from the illegal occupation of Crimea and followed by backing, arming, training and commanding illegal armed groups in certain parts of Donbas. The situation there is described by the mentioned reports as total collapse of law and order.
The reports convincingly demonstrate that media freedom situation in Crimea has seriously deteriorated since its illegal occupation by Russia and is marked by regular threats, assaults and harassment against those media, who are not considered loyal to the occupying authorities. Independent journalists and free media were forced to leave the peninsula, Crimean Tatar media outlets forced to close, and Ukrainian TV channels switched off and replaced with those originating from Russia. Remaining media are under extensive censorship, and also subject to raids and detention of staff.
This information is confirmed by other sources such as the report of Unofficial Turkish Delegation, which visited Crimea last April, titled “The Situation of the Crimean Tatars since the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation”, issued on 5th June 2015 and available on the internet: http://www.aa.com.tr/documents/AA/haber/crimea_report.pdf .
Ukraine gives due attention to all issues raised by relevant international mechanisms, including cases of violence and intimidation of members of the media, and takes measures with a view to ensuring impartial investigation of all cases to bring perpetrators to justice.
Thank you.