Human Rights Cannot Be Used To Meddle In States' Internal Affairs - Russian Mission To UN

Rukhshan Mir (@rukhshanmir) Published December 10, 2018 | 07:30 PM

Human rights cannot be used as a tool for interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states,Russia's envoy to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), Gennady Gatilov, said on Monday.

GENEVA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th December, 2018) Human rights cannot be used as a tool for interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states,Russia's envoy to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), Gennady Gatilov, said on Monday.

The 70th anniversary of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is being marked worldwide on Monday. Commemorative events are being held at the United Nations at Russia's initiative. Speaking in Geneva, Gatilov pointed out that real promotion of human rights was possible only if several conditions were met.

"Firstly, effective and voluntary participation of all stakeholders [in the promotion of human rights], based on cooperation and dialogue, [is needed]. Secondly, respect for the national, cultural and civilization features of society, taking into account its level of economic development and specific political situation, [is needed].

Thirdly, abstaining from the use of human rights as an instrument of interference in internal affairs and achieving political goals [is necessary]," Gatilov said.

The Russian official noted that human rights were usually misused by some states.

"Obviously, human rights must ensure respect for human dignity, increase of the life quality and protection of individuals. That is clearly outlined in the Universal Declaration. Unfortunately, that is usually forgotten nowadays ... Unilateral sanctions, the promotion of drug use, aggressive and unfair economic competition, political and social discrimination, and the decay and destruction of traditional social institutions are justified by human rights," Gatilov said.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted during the third Session of the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.