A regular round of Russia-EU Expert Consultations on Human Rights took place in Brussels on 20 July 2012. The Parties discussed a broad range of issues of interaction within international universal and regional human rights organisations. The Russian side reaffirmed its position on inadmissibility to politisise international human rights mechanisms and the universal nature of fundamental freedoms and human rights.
An exchange of views was held on the situation in the sphere of human rights in Russia and European Union Member States. Upon request, the EU partners were informed of the latest Russian legislative initiatives and the course of investigation of high-profile criminal cases. The Russian side drew attention to increased number of manifestation of neo-Nazi sentiment, racial discrimination, infringement of rights of Russian-speaking population in Latvia and Estonia. Issues such as the rule of law in domestic policy and international affairs, development of civil society, rights of children and persons with disabilities were also highlighted.
