UN launches urgent action procedure over possible violations of indigenous peoples' rights

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has sent an official communication to the Russian authorities concerning new laws and practices that severely restrict the rights of indigenous peoples.

The Committee is particularly concerned about:

• the reduction of opportunities for local communities to challenge infrastructure projects;

• the introduction of a "unified register of indigenous small-numbered peoples";

• the suspension of several human rights organizations working to protect indigenous rights under laws on "foreign agents" and "undesirable organizations".

The Committee also drew attention to the practice of threats, arbitrary detentions, and reprisals against human rights defenders and activists in connection with their work to protect indigenous rights. These findings align with already documented cases of pressure, including the criminal prosecution of Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt.

The Russian side has been asked to provide clarifications by August 3, 2026.