Moscow seeks UN help to root out racism

The UN General Assembly's Third Committee has adopted a Russian initiative to draft a resolution on the inadmissibility of certain practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intoleranc

Addressing the committee members, Russian representative to the UN Grigory Lukyantsev drew attention to the fact that “monuments to Nazis are opened in solemn ceremonies in certain states, and the dates of liberation from fascism are announced mourning days there,” and those who opposed consigning to oblivion soldiers who fought against Nazis during WW2 are arrested.

“In our view, it is totally inadmissible to glorify those who were involved in Nazi crimes, including whitewashing former SS members, such as the Waffen-SS unit that has been recognised as criminal by the Nuremberg Tribunal,” said the Russian diplomat.

Russia has repeatedly criticized some of the Baltic States and Ukraine for honouring its war veterans who served on the side of the Nazis.

This time, Ukraine, Estonia, and Latvia were among those who abstained from voting, while the United States spoke against the move.

The document is expected to be passed by the UN General Assembly at its next session in December.