Lawyer: Russia grossly violated its human rights obligations

Russia has grossly violated its commitment within membership in the UN Human Rights Committee, lawyer Rasul Jafarov told Report.

Rasul Jafarov stated that both Azerbaijan and Russia are members of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee:

"Russia has obligations regarding membership in this committee, unfortunately, this obligation has been grossly violated. During this incident, both Azerbaijani citizens and ethnic Azerbaijanis who are Russian citizens have been subjected to pressure. Both countries are members of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This covenant prohibits torture and provides for the right to life and other rights. Individuals whose rights have been violated here, both Azerbaijani citizens and Azerbaijanis who are Russian citizens, can appeal to various UN organizations. These organizations make relevant decisions regarding human rights, and then send them to the respective states for implementation. There may also be issues of compensation for violations and other matters. Another body is related to torture. The UN has a Convention Against Torture. That convention established the Committee Against Torture. Complaints about torture and inhuman treatment can also be made there. Persons subjected to torture in Russia and relatives of Azerbaijanis who were killed being subjected to torture can appeal to that committee."

The legal expert said that although Russia has withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the European Court, Azerbaijan has accepted the jurisdiction of the European Convention. According to this, although Azerbaijan cannot appeal to the European Court, it can refer to the European Convention on Human Rights when appealing to other international bodies.

"Russia has been seriously violating its human rights obligations recently. Various excuses are made for these violations. If Russia does not assume obligations accepted by international documents, there should be calls for sanctions against it. This could include economic sanctions, as well as suspension of the country's membership in some international organization," said Rasul Jafarov.