HRC60 – Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Russian Federation

Geneva, 22 September 2025

Delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative

Mr. President,

Albania thanks the Special Rapporteur, Ms. Mariana Katzarova, for her comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. We share her assessment of a systematic and alarming deterioration of fundamental freedoms and civic space.

We are concerned by the documented cases of torture, ill-treatment, and detention of political prisoners. The lack of judicial independence and the criminalization of dissent undermine the rule of law and compromise the protection of human rights.

We are deeply concerned by the misuse of the “foreign agents” and “undesirable organizations” laws, which aim to silence civil society, journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders.

The report also documents serious human rights violations in the context of the war of aggression against Ukraine, including cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and ill-treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians. These abuses illustrate the link between internal repression and external aggression.

We regret the Russian Federation’s lack of cooperation with international human rights protection mechanisms.

Finally, Albania supports the renewal of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, considering it essential to ensure that victims are not silenced and that the international community remains informed about the reality of the human rights situation in Russia.

Thank you.