Accessibility links

Breaking News

Russian Foreign Ministry Criticizes EU Countries


Russia's Foreign Ministry has released a critical report on the human rights situation in the European Union in 2013.

The report, released on January 14, says the "most pressing" rights issues in the EU include a "steady growth of xenophobia, racism, violent nationalism, chauvinism, and neo-Nazism."

The report also cites a "lack of children's rights, gender inequality, [and] abuse of power by police."

It continues: "[G]overning bodies of the [EU] show indulgence, to say the least, towards violations of human rights by member states," noting rights violations of Russian speakers in Latvia and Estonia.

The ministry also faults EU countries because foreigners "usually occupy low-wage and temporary jobs."

According to the UN's 2013 Human Development Index, Russia was ranked 55th in the world, behind every EU country except for Romania (56th) and Bulgaria (57th).
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG