dw.com
Russia Seeks to Withdraw from European Convention Against Torture
The Russian government, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, proposed to President Vladimir Putin the denouncement of the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, citing unspecified reasons. This follows Russia's withdrawal from the Council of Europe and other human rights conventions since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
- What are the immediate consequences of Russia's proposed withdrawal from the European Convention against Torture?
- The Russian government proposed that President Vladimir Putin officially withdraw from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This was published on August 25th, 2025, on the official Russian legal acts portal. The proposal includes denouncing the convention and its protocols signed in 1996, without stating specific reasons.
- What are the long-term implications of this withdrawal for human rights in Russia and international efforts to prevent torture?
- Russia's withdrawal from the convention signals a further erosion of international human rights standards and may embolden domestic human rights abuses. The lack of transparency regarding the reasons for withdrawal raises serious concerns about accountability and the potential for future violations. This move will likely increase international isolation and limit external oversight of Russia's human rights record.
- How does Russia's withdrawal from this convention relate to its broader pattern of withdrawing from other international human rights agreements?
- This action follows a pattern of Russia withdrawing from human rights conventions since the start of the war in Ukraine. The government cited issues with the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), particularly its reports on alleged torture in Russia, including the death of Alexei Navalny. Russia's withdrawal from the Council of Europe in March 2022 further contextualizes this decision.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the Russian government's action and the negative implications of leaving the convention. The headline and opening sentences focus on the proposal to withdraw, without immediately balancing this with potential justifications from the Russian side. While the article does eventually mention some criticisms of the CPT by the Russian government, the initial emphasis shapes the reader's initial understanding.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although the phrasing in certain sections could be improved for more balanced presentation. For example, using phrases like "the Russian government proposed" instead of "The Russian government offered to" would sound more neutral. The description of the CPT's reports as 'political' reflects the Russian government's position, which should be clearly attributed.
Bias by Omission
The article omits the Russian government's reasoning behind the proposed denouncement of the European Convention on preventing torture. While the article mentions criticism from the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), it doesn't provide the full context or counterarguments from the Russian government's perspective. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully understand the motivations driving the decision.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy: the Russian government's actions are framed as either a rejection of international human rights standards or a response to perceived bias and political pressure from the CPT. It doesn't fully explore the nuances or complexities of the issue, such as potential alternative mechanisms for addressing concerns about human rights within Russia.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Russian government's proposed withdrawal from the European Convention on Preventing Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment undermines international efforts to prevent torture and ensure accountability for human rights violations. This directly contradicts SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The rationale is that the withdrawal weakens international mechanisms for monitoring and addressing human rights abuses, potentially leading to increased violence and impunity. The article highlights the criticism of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) by the Russian Foreign Ministry, further illustrating the government's disregard for international human rights standards.