Remembering the Past, Hearing Those Deprived of Freedom Today
On 30 October, the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression, we remember people persecuted for their beliefs, their identity, their words and their determination to defend others. Behind every name is a life, a family, work and a future taken away.
Today, we also think of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt, who remain detained in Russia. For many years, they helped Indigenous Peoples make their voices heard, participate in international processes and defend their rights.
Their absence is especially felt at this time. International meetings continue to address biodiversity, climate change and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Yet two women who did so much to make participation in these discussions possible are deprived of the freedom to speak.
We want Daria and Natalia to be known through their work, their ideas and their relationships with others. Behind the reports about their criminal case are two women who devoted years to supporting other people.
Remembrance also calls for attention to the present: to those in detention, to their loved ones and to voices at risk of disappearing from public discussion.
Today, there are simple and meaningful things we can do: tell others about Daria and Natalia, send a message of solidarity, share information about their work and support the call for their release.
Free Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt! Defending Indigenous rights is not terrorism.
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