Swissinfo: Indigenous Voices Need to Be Heard at the UN
In an opinion piece published by Swissinfo on 8 October 2026, Shor activist Yana Tannagasheva and Chulym advocate Olga Kostrova describe arriving in Geneva to speak about violations of Indigenous rights, including the detention of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.
Their account begins with a conversation about the word for land: Chär in Chulym, Cher in Shor. Land connects their languages and memories, but it is also where mining, pollution and restrictions on traditional livelihoods affect their communities.
The authors argue that Indigenous representatives remain marginal in Human Rights Council discussions. States receive most of the speaking time, while access through organisations with ECOSOC consultative status can require lengthy procedures and substantial resources. For defenders facing persecution, they say, international protection must be accessible quickly.
Daria and Natalia’s case runs through this wider argument. The authors call for their release and for Indigenous peoples to have a stronger voice in decisions affecting them. Read the original article in English · Russian version.
Free Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt!
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