A Report on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation was discussed at the meeting.
The report prepared by the Council of Europe (CE) Human Rights Commissioner sums up the results of his visits to Russia in July and September 2004 and was officially presented to the CE Committee of Ministers on April 20, 2005.
The document stands out for its size and for the breadth of problems discussed. It gives quite an objective, although in many ways a harsh picture of the modern Russian situation.
Particular attention is given to changes in the legal system, the activity of the law-enforcement bodies, reform of the penitentiary system, observance of national minorities rights, the situation with foreigners and migrants, xenophobia and racism issues, the situation in Chechen Republic, observance of human rights in Armed Forces, freedom of religion and the press, health problems, the situation with socially vulnerable groups, including women and children, the functioning of extrajudicial mechanism of human rights protection.
The report lists certain achievements and positive results that have been attained in the protection of human rights in Russia. At the same time, as in all such reports by the commissioner, special emphasis is placed on shortcomings, unresolved problems and violations noted in this area.
In connection with this, a list of specific recommendations is proposed directed towards improving the situation. In accordance with the accepted CE practice the member states usually have two years to fix the problem. The Presidential Council for Assisting the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights Institutions will be carrying out public control over realization of the recommendations.