Indigenous Forum in Bonn Demands Release of Daria Egereva

At the 64th session of the subsidiary bodies of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB64), taking place in Bonn, the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change issued a statement in support of Selkup activist Daria Egereva and called on the Russian authorities to release her immediately and unconditionally.

In their appeal, Forum participants emphasized that Daria Egereva, who serves as co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, was arrested after participating in the COP30 climate negotiations. According to the authors of the statement, her persecution has become a direct signal to Indigenous representatives engaged in the work of UN mechanisms.

"We join the global campaign for the release of our co-chair and sister Daria Egereva from the Selkup people. We call on the Russian authorities to release her immediately and unconditionally," the statement reads.

Each morning, the Indigenous Peoples' Forum sessions in Bonn begin with a prayer and words of support for Daria Egereva and Natalia Leonhardt. Their names are spoken as a reminder that climate protection is impossible without the protection of human rights and the safety of those who defend the rights of their peoples and territories.

A particularly significant decision was the participants' unanimous confirmation of Daria Egereva's mandate and their decision to retain her status as the third co-chair of the Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change until her full release. This decision has become an unprecedented act of international solidarity and support.

Meeting participants emphasized that Daria remains a fully legitimate leader of the global Indigenous movement, despite her imprisonment. According to delegates, this decision carries not only symbolic but also political significance, demonstrating that the persecution of human rights defenders cannot silence them on the international stage.

IR