Washington, 17 April 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The United States says it is disappointed that the United Nations Human Rights Commission has again failed to condemn Russia over suspected human rights violations in Chechnya. For the second consecutive year, the commission, voting yesterday in Geneva, did not pass a resolution demanding that Russia account for alleged abuses, including disappearances, tortures, and executions.
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters today in Washington that the administration of President George W. Bush wishes that the measure had passed.
"We were satisfied that the resolution addressed human rights violations in Chechnya as well as terrorist acts in Russia. We were disappointed that many members of the commission voted to defeat the resolution."
In 2000, Russia became the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to be censured by the commission for rights abuses. Censure brings no penalties, but draws attention to that country's human rights record.
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters today in Washington that the administration of President George W. Bush wishes that the measure had passed.
"We were satisfied that the resolution addressed human rights violations in Chechnya as well as terrorist acts in Russia. We were disappointed that many members of the commission voted to defeat the resolution."
In 2000, Russia became the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to be censured by the commission for rights abuses. Censure brings no penalties, but draws attention to that country's human rights record.