"We are alarmed that the UN Commission's activities have been politicised and confrontational," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yury Fedotov, who is leading the Russian delegation to the session, said in a RIA Novosti interview.
"The whole groups of countries and separate countries are attached to the category of delinquents and are treated in an edifying manner, which does not promote constructive cooperation and the high standards of human rights even in the countries with recorded infringements on human rights," said the diplomat.
Russia expects the new Commissioner on Human Rights, Louise Arbour, to help direct the Commission's activities into a more constructive channel, which will bring better results, said Mr. Fedotov.
Ex-High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Viera de Mello was killed in a terrorist act in Baghdad in August 2003. Bertrand Ramcharan was appointed acting High Commission for Human Rights.
"Issues related to terrorism, which is a blatant violation of human rights, will, undoubtedly, dominate the agenda (of the session)," said Mr. Fedotov.
Russia is expected to advance an initiative to work out a code of measures to protect human rights from terrorism.
The Commission, which was set up in 1946, is the UN's key body overseeing human rights. The 60th session, which will be presided over by Mike Smith of Australia, will last into April 23, 2004.
