The State Duma denounced the convention on the protection of national minorities

The State Duma denounced the Framework Convention of the Council of Europe for the Protection of National Minorities. About it reports press service of the lower house.

Bill was introduced to the State Duma on September 29 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The explanatory note notes that the resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, adopted on September 27, 2022, “significantly limited the powers of the Russian expert in the advisory committee” that was created to monitor compliance with the convention.

Russia has also lost the opportunity to influence decisions on “issues of interest” and monitor cases of violation of the rights of national minorities in the world, including the Russian-speaking population abroad. The document stated that termination of participation in it would avoid discrimination against the Russian Federation and would not harm the observance of the rights of national minorities.

The Framework Convention was signed by Russia in Strasbourg on February 28, 1996 and ratified on June 18, 1998. September 4, Vedomosti wrotethat the denunciation of the convention will not lead to a reduction in the constitutional guarantees of the rights of national minorities: Russian legislation has norms that secure their rights, including indigenous peoples, as well as programs to support them.