Statement by Senator Novyukhov in Response to International Support for Russian Human Rights Defenders

Sevr Nuu

Photo: RAIPON

On January 28, the website of the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East (RAIPON) published a statement by the organization’s president, Senator from Yugra Alexander Novyukhov. The statement was immediately picked up by some media outlets and widely circulated through messaging groups and social media channels of Indigenous peoples across Russia.

The text is widely perceived as a response to the global support for Russian Indigenous organizations regarding the arrest of Daria Egereva, although her name is not mentioned anywhere.

Exclusively Legitimate

In his statement, Novyukhov highlights the 35-year history of the Association he has led since April 2025, emphasizing legitimate representative institutions and operations strictly within the legal framework of the Russian Federation. In doing so, he casts doubt on anyone operating outside this hierarchy.

Criminalization and the Dangerous “Association” Logic

He then addresses the conflict itself, listing organizations banned in Russia and classified as terrorist. Among them are: the “Forum of Free Peoples of Post-Russia,” the “Transitional Government in Exile,” the “Congress of People’s Deputies,” and the “Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People” (Ukraine), which, according to RAIPON’s president, aim to alter the constitutional order and fragment the country under the guise of decolonization.

Novyukhov also refers to Indigenous Russia and the “Aborigen Forum” as informal groups allegedly “used to involve” Russian activists in such work. This is a critical point because the “Aborigen Forum” is directly mentioned in Egereva’s case.

Reinterpreting International Law

As a direct response to the international campaign supporting Daria Egereva, Novyukhov invokes Article 46 of the UN Declaration and the argument of territorial integrity, asserting that international human rights activity cannot justify connections with those deemed extremists by the state.

It is worth noting that Daria’s work at UN forums had focused on combating the criminalization of Indigenous leaders worldwide. Practice shows that many governments find it easier to label activists, community leaders, or experts as extremists or terrorists to discredit their work rather than to defend Indigenous rights.

Presumption of Innocence: A Formal Principle

Novyukhov does briefly mention the presumption of innocence, but only after a long list of accusations, adding that “the Association has no moral right to defend such individuals.” In practice, this amounts to public distancing and justification of repression.

Recall that on December 17, the day of Egereva’s arrest, searches and interrogations were conducted against 17 other Indigenous activists across northern Russia.

The Official Mouthpiece

It is important to note that the RAIPON president serves as a conduit for the official line: true Indigenous leaders are aligned with the state, while anyone daring to criticize is illegitimate. This rhetoric should alert independent experts that Novyukhov does not occupy a neutral position regarding Daria Egereva or others prosecuted in this case. He is not intervening on their behalf.

RAIPON’s Role Today

RAIPON—an organization uniting Indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of Russia—was established to protect their interests. Yet recently, it has increasingly endorsed state actions, rejected criticism of authorities, and, importantly, overlooked the interests of industrial enterprises extracting natural resources on Indigenous lands.

Whoever leads this organization will likely reproduce the state narrative and the policies of the Federal Agency for Nationalities (FADN). The FADN, in turn, can present participants from other Indigenous organizations formally associated with RAIPON for international platforms, creating the illusion of representative participation. RAIPON formally unites 40 peoples across 28 regions of Russia, as well as organizations in major cities outside their traditional territories—Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Kazan, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and others. Over time, RAIPON has become an administrative superstructure advancing industrial and oligarchic interests.

Why This Statement Matters Internationally

Novyukhov’s statement reinforces a dangerous and familiar message: the legitimacy of Indigenous leaders depends on state approval, not community support. This undermines international solidarity, jeopardizes the safety of Indigenous human rights defenders, and calls into question the very purpose of Indigenous participation in global mechanisms.

Instead of a Conclusion

The statement makes it clear: RAIPON does not intend to serve as a defender or mediator in cases like Daria Egereva’s. Instead, it functions as an extension of official state policy, distinguishing between “acceptable” and “unacceptable” Indigenous civic activity.

For Indigenous communities, experts, and international partners, this raises a crucial question: who truly speaks for Russia’s Indigenous peoples today, and which voices remain unheard?

Free Daria!

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