COP31 Press Conference Addresses Persecution of Indigenous Activists and Control over UN Participation
At a press conference in Antalya, Indigenous representatives from Russia raised concerns about industrial development on traditional territories, the criminalisation of independent leaders and freedom to participate in international processes. Particular attention was given to Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt, who remain imprisoned in Russia.
On 10 November, the UN Climate Change Conference COP31 hosted a press conference entitled “Traditional knowledge holders under attack: repressions against Indigenous activists”.
The press conference was moderated by Udege representative Viktor Sulyandziga. Opening the discussion, he outlined the overall situation of Indigenous Peoples in Russia and the challenges facing those defending their rights and traditional territories. He then gave the floor to Evenki journalist Andrei Isakov and Chulym representative Olga Kostrova, who addressed control over Indigenous organisations’ international participation and the persecution of independent activists in greater detail.
Control over Participation in UN Processes
Andrei Isakov spoke about Russia’s efforts to advance control over Indigenous organisations participating in UN processes. He shared RAIPON Unmasked, a report by the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia, examining RAIPON’s transformation and its role in international institutions.
This raises a fundamental question: can Indigenous Peoples independently choose their representatives and express their own views at international forums?
We explored this question in our analysis of the report on RAIPON.
Daria and Natalia: The People Behind the Discussion of Repression
Isakov also addressed the criminalisation of Indigenous leaders in Russia. Kostrova developed this theme in detail, recounting the stories of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.
Both women spent many years helping Indigenous Peoples participate in international processes. Now, as climate decisions and the role of traditional knowledge are discussed in Antalya, they remain imprisoned in Russia.
Their absence has already become part of the international discussion. At Indigenous representatives’ meetings in Antalya, Daria’s place was kept for her, while her letter from detention reminded colleagues of the strength of mutual support.
Traditional Territories, Knowledge and Biodiversity
The announced agenda also included the impact of mineral extraction on biodiversity in Indigenous territories in Southern Siberia, and Indigenous Peoples’ contribution to protecting nature and their lands in the context of climate change.
International Participation Must Remain Free
The press conference connected two questions: who can represent Indigenous Peoples in international processes, and what happens to people who express independent positions. The account of Daria and Natalia showed that discussions about participation rules concern real people and their lives.
For us, the right of Indigenous Peoples to choose their own representatives is inseparable from those representatives’ right to speak freely — without having to agree their positions with the state and without the threat of persecution. Scrutiny of representatives’ mandates must not become a means of excluding people for holding independent views.
COP31 includes calls to recognise traditional knowledge and the experience of Indigenous communities. Daria and Natalia’s case is a reminder that this requires protecting the people who connect communities with international forums. The demand for their release must remain part of the conversation about meaningful Indigenous participation in the climate process.
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