Stand with Daria Egereva: A Norvegian Saami Call for Indigenous Rights in Russia

In December 2025, Russian authorities arrested Indigenous activist Daria Egereva, a representative of the Selkup people of Siberia. For many years, Daria has been a respected advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples, the protection of traditional lands, and the recognition of Indigenous knowledge in international climate policy. Her work has included participation in UN climate processes and international forums dedicated to environmental protection, women and Indigenous rights.

Daria is now facing extremism charges that could lead to a long prison sentence. Her colleagues, Indigenous leaders, and human rights organizations believe these accusations are politically motivated and are being used to silence an important Indigenous voice.

Daria’s arrest has sparked growing international concern and solidarity. Indigenous organizations, human rights defenders, and public figures around the world are calling for her immediate release and for an end to the persecution of Indigenous activists in Russia. These voices emphasize that defending Indigenous rights, protecting forests, and participating in international dialogue must never be treated as a crime.

Below we publish a statement of solidarity with Daria Egereva and the Indigenous peoples of Russia.

One such statement was suggested for The Sámi Parliament in Norway by the Chair of the Plenary Sandra Márjá West, which expressed concern about the repression of Indigenous peoples in Russia and called on the authorities to end the persecution of Indigenous rights defenders.

Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples in Russia

Norwegian Sámi Association (NSR) expresses deep concern about the serious human rights situation for Indigenous Peoples in the Russian Federation. At a time when indigenous voices are needed the most, they face persecution and criminalization in Russia.

In December 2025, Russian authorities carried out a coordinated crackdown on indigenous leaders and activists, with house searches and interrogations in Murmansk, Tomsk, Kemerovo Oblast, Altai, the Sakha Republic, Krasnoyarsk Krai and St. Petersburg. At least 17 indigenous leaders and activists were targeted. Two were arrested and charged with extremism, a charge that carries a penalty of 10-28 years, which is being misused here to delegitimize peaceful, rights-based work.

One of those imprisoned is Daria Egereva, a recognized leader from the Selkup people and an important indigenous voice in the UN climate work. As co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, she has highlighted the contributions and rights of Indigenous Peoples in the face of climate change and international politics. Her commitment to the education, language and land of the Selkup people has never been anything but peaceful and constructive.

Sámi Valentina Sovkina, a member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, was also subjected to searches and surveillance.

This is unfortunately an escalation of the Russian regime's attempts to stop all opposition. In recent years, Russia has labeled 55 civil society organizations as "extremist", many of which are indigenous organizations. The arrests are part of a clear pattern, where rights defenders are subjected to smear campaigns, harassment and imprisonment. It is well known that authoritarian regimes use false accusations to silence dissent and prevent participation in international forums.

For several years, UN reports have documented a growing fear among Indigenous Peoples and environmentalists of participating in international processes, precisely because of such reprisals. Over 2,000 environmental activists have been killed or disappeared globally between 2012 and 2024, and one in three were Indigenous Peoples.

We, the Sámi, have a common historical connection to the High North, and a common historical memory of what it means to be silenced. NSR condemns the arrest of Daria Egereva and the broader repression of Indigenous Peoples in Russia. We demand that:

• Daria Egereva be released immediately and unconditionally.

• All charges against her and other Indigenous Peoples' advocates be dropped.

• Russia stops the persecution of Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples' organizations

• Russia respects Indigenous Peoples' rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and self-determination, in line with international conventions and Indigenous Peoples' rights in line with regional and federal legislation.

• Norway puts international pressure for Daria Egereva's release

Suggested for The Sámi Parliament in Norway by the Chair of the Plenary Sandra Márjá West on March 10th 2026. The plenary decided to send the matter to the Governing Council of The Sámi Parliament for follow-up.

The full video of the Saami Parliament Plenary is available here: https://sametinget.kommunetv.no/archive/264