In February 2025, the United Kingdom, alongside Albania, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Ukraine, issued a poignant statement to the OSCE, honouring the memories of Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov. They urged Russia to release all political prisoners, highlighting the ultimate responsibility of Russian authorities for Navalny’s death after prolonged arbitrary detention. They also marked the tenth anniversary of Nemtsov’s brutal murder, reflecting on the chilling climate of fear that now envelops Russia, undermining the very foundations of justice.
The joint statement lamented the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia, where the government mercilessly stifles peaceful dissent and undermines the rule of law. This situation starkly contravenes established OSCE principles regarding rights such as fair trials, freedom from arbitrary detention, and the right to peaceful assembly. The participating nations reaffirmed their solidarity with civil society and human rights defenders who bravely pursue a brighter future for Russia despite severe personal risks.
Significant concerns were raised regarding the Russian government’s suppression of civil society, as an invocation of the Moscow Mechanism in July 2022 unveiled a systematic crackdown on independent initiatives and political opposition. Moreover, internal repression has not only stifled dissent but has also blatantly facilitated Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine since February 2022, with over 800 political prisoners now languishing in jails for opposing the regime’s actions.
The statement expressed regret over Russia’s disregard for the Vienna Mechanism regarding prisoner treatment and referenced a 2024 UN report detailing systematic torture prevalent within its prisons. The call echoed loudly for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, activists, and journalists imprisoned for exercising their rights. The participating states committed to unwaveringly holding Russia accountable to its international human rights obligations and OSCE commitments, made freely and knowingly.
Ultimately, the assembly reminded the global community of the importance of respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law as cornerstones of the international order, underlining that commitments in these areas are of universal concern, transcending individual state affairs.
The message resounded with clarity and conviction, both a tribute to those lost and a rallying cry to adhere to fundamental rights across borders, pressing forward for dignity and justice.
The UK, alongside several nations, issued a heartfelt statement to the OSCE in February 2025, commemorating Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov while urging for the release of political prisoners in Russia. They condemned the deteriorating human rights situation and highlighted the authorities’ responsibility for Navalny’s death and the suppression of dissent. The statement emphasised international accountability for human rights violations, calling for respect for fundamental freedoms and justice.
In summary, this joint statement serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing human rights abuses in Russia and the tragic legacies of Navalny and Nemtsov. The call for immediate release of political prisoners highlights the urgent need for accountability and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in Russia. Amidst the bleak realities, the unified voice of participating states seeks to uphold the ideals of democracy and justice as universal obligations that transcend national boundaries.
Original Source: www.gov.uk
