UN High Commissioner Responds to Reports of Persecution of Indigenous Leaders from Russia

Photo: Volker Türk with meeting participants

During the 19th session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva, a meeting took place between Indigenous representatives from seven sociocultural regions of the world and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Delegates spoke about the most pressing issues facing Indigenous peoples in their regions.

From the Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, and Transcaucasia region, Indigenous representative from Russia Maria Michurova participated in the meeting. She spoke about the ongoing criminalization of Indigenous leaders in the country and the persecution of activists for their cooperation with UN mechanisms.

"Today, the key question is no longer how to preserve our cultures, but whether we will survive," emphasized Maria Michurova, noting that for small-numbered peoples, the loss of even a few leaders, language speakers, or human rights defenders can have irreversible consequences.

She recalled that on December 17, 2025, Russian authorities launched a large-scale campaign of repression against Indigenous representatives.

"More than seventeen people were subjected to searches and interrogations. Investigators questioned me about my cooperation with the UN, which demonstrates that international dialogue itself has become a target of repression," she stated.

Maria Michurova also spoke about the ongoing criminal prosecution of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt, who have now been held in custody for over six months.

"When Indigenous human rights defenders are persecuted, entire peoples lose those who protect their rights, preserve their culture, and secure their future. These repressions should be understood not merely as individual human rights violations, but as an attack on the collective rights and survival of Indigenous peoples," she emphasized.

Maria Michurova called on the High Commissioner to continue monitoring this case, to use all available mechanisms to respond to repression against those who cooperate with the UN, and to facilitate the release of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.

In response to the activist's address, Volker Türk stated that the Office of the High Commissioner views such cases with particular seriousness.

"I am deeply troubled when I hear about repression against Indigenous representatives who are trying to cooperate with the United Nations. We take such cases extremely seriously."

He informed that the Office is already aware of the case raised by Indigenous representatives from Russia.

"Regarding the case you mentioned today, we have already taken the necessary steps and continue to closely monitor the situation."

The High Commissioner emphasized that such cases are not isolated.

"I am aware of the two cases you mentioned, but unfortunately, they are far from the only ones. There are many others. We consider absolutely unacceptable any attempts by states to obstruct the interaction of Indigenous representatives with UN mechanisms."

He also recalled that the Office of the High Commissioner prepares an annual special report on cases of intimidation and reprisals against individuals cooperating with the UN.

"This is precisely what the UN mechanisms exist for — so that people can turn to them. Every year, my office prepares a special report documenting such cases and analyzing the obstacles faced by those who cooperate with the UN system."

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to make such consultations regular, so that Indigenous representatives can directly inform the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about the most pressing problems facing their peoples in various regions of the world.

IR