Independent Indigenous Representatives from Russia Proposed Strengthening UN Protection of Their Rights

On July 14, in Geneva, during the 19th session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), within the framework of agenda item 12 — "Proposals to be submitted for consideration and approval to the Human Rights Council" — independent Indigenous representatives from Russia, speaking on behalf of international non-governmental organizations, presented their proposals for strengthening the protection of Indigenous rights in the context of armed conflicts, repression, and the ongoing reduction of traditional territories.

In their statements, they noted that in a number of countries, armed conflicts are accompanied by intensified repression against Indigenous representatives, restrictions on civil liberties, and persecution of those cooperating with UN mechanisms.

Particular attention was paid to the situation in Russia. Speakers pointed out that Indigenous representatives are subjected to criminal prosecution for peaceful human rights activities, cooperation with UN mechanisms, and the defense of collective rights. As an example, the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt, who have been held in pre-trial detention for over six months, was cited. In the speakers' view, this case reflects the trend of using counter-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation against Indigenous representatives engaged in peaceful human rights work.

In their proposals, independent Indigenous representatives from Russia called on the Expert Mechanism to recommend that the UN Human Rights Council:

• Pay increased attention to the situation of Indigenous peoples in the context of armed conflicts, militarization, and political repression;

• Ensure the possibility of safe cooperation for Indigenous representatives with UN mechanisms, without the risk of intimidation, criminal prosecution, or other forms of reprisal;

• Recommend that states adopt effective measures to protect Indigenous human rights defenders and guarantee their participation in decision-making processes;

• Continue monitoring violations of Indigenous rights, including cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, restrictions on freedom of association, and criminal prosecution;

• Prepare a separate thematic study on the criminalization of Indigenous representatives for cooperation with UN mechanisms;

• Consider reprisals against Indigenous representatives engaging with the UN as a separate item within the annual discussion on the issue of reprisals.

A separate statement was dedicated to the protection of the traditional territories of the Shor people. It was noted that many years of coal and gold mining in Kemerovo Oblast and the Republic of Khakassia have led to the destruction of ecosystems, the loss of hunting grounds, sacred sites, and the disappearance of several Shor villages.

Furthermore, in 2025, the villages of Taylep and Ust-Mrassky were removed from the federal list of places of traditional residence of Indigenous small-numbered peoples, which, in the speakers' view, indicates the ongoing reduction of officially recognized traditional territories of the Shor people.

In this regard, it was proposed to continue monitoring cases of loss of Indigenous traditional territories, to include measures for their protection in recommendations, and to ensure respect for the right of Indigenous peoples to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the implementation of projects affecting their lands.

All statements also included a call for the immediate release of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt as human rights defenders persecuted for their peaceful activities and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.

IR