On 27 February 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš, delivered a statement at the UN Human Rights Council, underscoring in particular the disruptive influence of Russia’s war of aggression on human rights.
“The bombing of schools, the destruction of hospitals, the forced abduction of children and forced assimilation into the Russian language and culture against the will of the children, is against any semblance of the right of the individual, of human rights,” Krišjānis Kariņš asserted.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs condemned the disinformation campaign waged by Russia, spreading a false narrative of their crimes perpetrated in Ukraine. Recalling Latvia’s historical experience during the Soviet occupation, Krišjānis Kariņš urged the countries to stand united together in opposing and denouncing Russia’s blatant violation of human rights until Ukraine is fully liberated and the aggressor is gone.
Background information
The 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 26 February to 5 April. According to tradition, the spring session of the UN Human Rights Council is launched by a high-level segment at which key dignitaries from UN member states address urgent global human rights topics.
Video speech is in English with subtitles in English and Latvian.