Declaration of the Russian Federation in Support of Traditional Mandate of UNESCO
Reaffirming the fundamental importance and universality of the principles and values of UNESCO, enshrined in its Constitution, we expresses full support to the Organization’s noble mission to build peace in the minds of men and women.
Behind the background of ongoing attempts to blur the traditional mandate of UNESCO and replace it with a political agenda, we proceed from the fact that the central purpose of the Organization should remain “to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations”.
Expressing concern over the growing number and scale of differences between states, that are also notable in UNESCO, we call for the preservation of traditions of equal, mutually respectful and pluralistic dialogue in our Organization. We express readiness to contribute further to the preservation of the original democratic and inclusive foundations of UNESCO, preventing its transformation into an instrument of a geopolitical struggle.
We are convinced that it is in the common interests of mankind to further enhance the effectiveness of UNESCO, strengthen its humanitarian potential and political independence.
Reaffirming our commitment to the universal standards in the field of human rights, enshrined in the international law, including UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments, we call for effective protection of the legitimate rights and freedoms of boys and girls, men and women, on a non-discriminatory and equal basis in accordance with UNESCO direct competence.
Today the world is witnessing a spread of appeals to illegal actions, as well as acts aimed at total exclusion of Russian citizens from socio-political, economic and cultural life on the basis of their nationality and language in contradiction to inherent and inalienable human rights. A number of states introduce extrajudicial, politically motivated restrictions that affect freedom of movement, freedom of expression, access to information, culture and science, hindering maintenance of humanitarian co-operation and interpersonal contacts. Russian athletes are deprived of the right to compete at international championships, Russian journalists are blocked online, media broadcasting is banned, access to Russian literature and music is restricted. Russian students are expelled from foreign higher educational institutions, academicians and cultural figures are systematically suppressed. It has even come out to direct physical threats to Russians in some countries.
We are convinced that UNESCO within the framework of implementation of its unique humanistic mandate should take responsibility for ensuring the legitimate rights and freedoms in the field of education, science, sports, culture, art and journalism for all people without distinction of race, sex, age, language, nationality and religion.