High Commissioner took part in conference timed to 50th anniversary of UN human rights covenants
On 18 October, High Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia Tatiana Moskalkova made a speech at the conference called ‘International Covenants on Human Rights: Value Characteristics’.
The federal ombudsman underscored that all lines of human rights commissioners’ activity can be developed only in conditions of a solid structure of international norms, standards and principles.
Tatiana Moskalkova said that at the meetings during the 33rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva she received many recommendations and wishes from international counterparts to become a coordinator for all ombudspersons of Russia, take measures to implement UN recommendations in law enforcement practice, prepare human rights defenders and conduct human rights education courses for students. The recommendations surprised the High Commissioner, since all of the above exists in Russia.
"People in the world and even CIS countries know very little about us… However, soon the institution of human rights commissioner will mark its 25th anniversary. Commissioners for Human Rights are elected in each region of the federation to be assembled to the Coordination Council. Each year the High Commissioner personally submits its annual report to the President. We have brilliant scientific literature and training manuals; we have accumulated extensive experience in protection of human rights and freedoms. I can see a large scope of work in that both for scholars and practitioners," the High Commissioner said.
"However, can we say that human rights are fully implemented and protected in our country? Of course, not. I can see it looking at the number of complaints and the line of people gathered in our reception office," Tatiana Moskalkova stressed.
The High Commissioner also told about its priorities in complaint handling. Social rights are most prioritised. Today, the problem of delayed salaries is taking place here and there. Healthcare, education, and public and utilities follow the above. In addition, the federal ombudsperson told that the institution of human rights commissioners is in search of new lines of development.