E/C.12/RUS/CO/6
implementation of the obligations arising from the Covenant and ineffective in addressing
tax evasion. The Committee notes that, despite the coercive economic sanctions, the State
party was able to maintain the level of public spending to implement its obligations under
the Covenant (art. 2.1).
17.
The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to ensure that
its tax policy is effective and socially just, with a view to maximizing the availability of
resources for the realization of Covenant rights, and effectively addressing economic
inequalities and tax evasion.
Corruption
18.
The Committee notes with regret the lack of information on the impact of measures
taken to combat corruption, which reportedly remains prevalent in the State party (art. 2.1).
19.
The Committee recommends that the State party intensify its anti-corruption
measures, adopt all necessary legislative and administrative measures to ensure
transparency in public administration, and ensure the effective protection of victims
of corruption, whistle-blowers and their lawyers. The Committee also recommends
that the State party provide detailed information in its next periodic report on the
results achieved in the fight against corruption.
Official development assistance
20.
The Committee regrets that the State party’s official development assistance (0.08
per cent of gross national income) falls far below the internationally agreed commitment of
0.7 per cent (art. 2.1).
21.
The Committee recommends that the State party progressively increase the
level of its official development assistance, with a view to achieving the international
commitment of 0.7 per cent of its gross national income, and to fully incorporate the
rights contained in the Covenant and human rights impact assessments in its
development cooperation policy.
Non-discrimination
22.
The Committee is concerned about the continuous absence of comprehensive antidiscrimination legislation, despite the information provided by the delegation on existing
anti-discrimination provisions, including in the State party’s Constitution and Criminal
Code. The Committee is also concerned about the prevalence of societal stigma and
discrimination, in particular on the grounds of disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
gender identity or health status (art. 2).
23.
The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to adopt
comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, encompassing all grounds of
discrimination, including sexual orientation and gender identity, taking into account
the Committee’s general comment No. 20 (2009) on non-discrimination in economic,
social and cultural rights. It also recommends that the State party:
(a)
Recognize that individuals in same-sex relationships are entitled to equal
enjoyment of Covenant rights, including by extending to them benefits reserved to
married couples, and repeal or amend all legislation, including Federal Law No. 135,
that could result in discrimination, prosecution and punishment of people because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity;
(b)
Put in place a quick, transparent and accessible procedure for legal
gender recognition, to facilitate the enjoyment of Covenant rights by transgender
persons;
(c)
Take all the necessary steps to prevent and combat societal
discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, persons with
disabilities, stateless persons, persons belonging to minorities, including Roma,
indigenous peoples, people working in the sex industry and drug users, and ensure the
equal enjoyment of Covenant rights.
4