The Council of Europe has voted to suspended Russia’s rights of representation in a vote on Friday (25 February). Five countries did not back the vote, although no information has been made public on whom they might be.
The decision means that Russia remains a member and is party to the relevant conventions including the European Convention on Human Rights. However, they can no longer vote and will be notified of the legal and financial consequences of the move.
“Considering the serious violation by the Russian Federation of its obligations under Article 3 of the Statute of the Council of Europe… [the Council has] agreed to suspend the Russian Federation from its rights of representation in the Council of Europe in accordance with Article 8 of the Statute of the Council of Europe.”
The suspension takes immediate effect in respect of the rights of representation of the Russian Federation in the Committee of Ministers and in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The resolution was brought to the table in an unprecedented political move by Poland, and Ukraine.
A source with knowledge of the vote told Exit that Armenia and Russia voted against, Turkey abstained, and Azerbaijan was not in attendance. A question about Serbia’s position remains unanswered.
While Russia is not out of the CoE and its parliamentary assembly, a decision is likely to be on the table in the coming weeks. Members are reportedly hesitant to progress to this stage because it would mean Moscow is no-longer accountable under its human rights convention.
An extraordinary plenary session is scheduled for 14-15 March where they will discuss the invasion of Ukraine and the role of Russia.
