As 24 February marks three years since Russia unleashed its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council (via videoconference), emphasizing that for three years Russia has been seeking to deprive Ukraine of its future.
“Russia’s authorities have been using torture as a coordinated state policy towards Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war,” the Foreign Minister pointed out, calling for Russia to be held internationally accountable for its crimes.
Baiba Braže underlined that tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been kidnapped, illegally deported and subjected to ideological brainwashing, thereby breaking up families and leaving deep scars that persist for generations.
The Foreign Minister drew attention to the human rights situation in Russia, which keeps deteriorating. Baiba Braže emphasised: “Opposition, human rights defenders, independent media face censorship, imprisonment and even death. Domestic repression continues to enable external aggression.”
Belarus: “The recent sham elections in Belarus were a total farce,” the Foreign Minister pointed out. Baiba Braže recalled the regime’s cruel treatment of political prisoners and involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Minister reaffirmed support from Latvia for the Belarusian people and the democratic opposition in their quest for a free, sovereign, and independent Belarus.
Gender equality: Referring to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marked this year, the Foreign Minister welcomed the progress achieved towards gender equality while highlighting current global challenges. “Women and girls continue to face gender-based discrimination and sexual violence, they are denied access to education and healthcare,” Baiba Braže underlined, calling for the challenges to be urgently addressed. As an example, she mentioned the work carried out by Latvia in the field of gender equality – projects implemented with the help of NGOs to rehabilitate women in Ukraine and to provide training to women and girls in Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan in the areas of entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and STEM.
Latvia’s candidacy for the UNSC: In conclusion of her statement, Baiba Braže reminded the audience of Latvia’s candidacy for membership of the United Nations Security Council in 2026–2027 and affirmed Latvia’s readiness to continue standing up for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, sustainable peace in the Middle East, engagement in the “Women, peace and security” agenda, and addressing challenges in the digital and information sphere. “If elected, we will work together for peace and resilience, advocate for the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and accountability.”
Further information
- The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council takes place in Geneva, Switzerland from 24 February to 4 April 2025. Traditionally, the spring session of the UN Human Rights Council is being launched by high-level representatives from UN Member States, who address global human rights issues. This year’s high-level segment is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and will be attended by delegates from more than 100 UN member states and various organisations.
- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is a global programme to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. It sets out strategic objectives and actions in 12 critical areas, including education, healthcare, political participation and economic opportunities, to promote women’s rights around the world.