Palais des Nations in Geneva. Photo from the archive Independent UN experts: EU restrictive measures against scientists violate human rights Human rights
A group of independent UN experts stated that the restrictions imposed by the European Union on a number of scientists, researchers and analysts negatively affect the enjoyment of their fundamental rights.
We are talking about restrictive measures introduced by the EU against people who worked at Russian state universities, participated in international forums, published books, wrote analytical materials or wrote blogs. According to the EU, the statements of these people coincided with the official position of Russia or could be perceived as a reflection of it.
Independent UN experts believe that such measures create an atmosphere of fear in the academic environment. Scientists around the world are beginning to be afraid to express their opinions and refuse to participate in international projects, publish and teach. As a result, the space for free scholarship and debate is narrowing.
Activities used to justify unilateral sanctions included public criticism of unilateral sanctions regimes, political analysis of the factors leading to the armed conflict against Ukraine, academic commentary on issues of contemporary international politics, and discussions of the feasibility of cooperation between the Global South and the Russian Federation. Federation.
“Harrassing, intimidating or stigmatizing individuals for their positions constitutes a violation of their right to freedom of expression,” the experts emphasized. “Any attempts to force people to accept one point of view or another are unacceptable.”
The authors of the statement note that sanctions have serious practical consequences. Some scientists are losing their jobs, cannot use banking services, move freely and provide themselves with a decent life.
UN experts called on the European Union to comply with international obligations and lift sanctions against scientists and analysts.
The statement was signed by five UN special rapporteurs. Let us remember that independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not employees of the United Nations and do not receive salaries from the UN for their work.