UN Raises Alarm Over the Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Russia Amid Repression and War

At the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, one of the key topics was the health of Indigenous peoples, including in the context of ongoing conflicts.

A strong and emotional statement was delivered by Pavel Sulyandziga, President of the Batani Foundation for Indigenous Peoples’ Development and Solidarity. He spoke of a deep crisis — particularly in the area of mental health affecting entire communities.

“Physical health is important, but mental well-being is equally critical. Unfortunately, the mental condition of many Indigenous communities is in a very difficult state,” Sulyandziga emphasized.

He stressed that this is not about isolated cases, but about entire generations living with a “burden of powerlessness and vulnerability” rooted in the legacy of colonization.

According to him, the situation has worsened in recent years:

“To be clear, for speaking about the colonization of Indigenous peoples in Russia, I face criminal prosecution. In today’s Russia, people are imprisoned for telling the truth.”

He also pointed to the lack of official statistics on Indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East, despite government claims of “well-being.”

Sulyandziga shared findings from independent research. In one community, he noted, there was not a single adult man without a criminal record. Most offenses are related to poaching, which is closely tied to traditional subsistence practices. The average age of death is 36, and approximately 30% of deaths are due to suicide.

“Just imagine — their lands and resources are taken away, and then they are criminalized for trying to feed their families.”

He also cited the example of Chukotka, where tuberculosis rates in rural areas — predominantly inhabited by Indigenous peoples — are significantly higher than in urban centers.

According to Sulyandziga, since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pressure on activists has intensified, including mass searches, criminal cases, arrests, and the use of “extremism” and “terrorism” laws.

“Criminal cases are fabricated, non-existent organizations are declared threats and linked to Indigenous activists.”

He noted that in December 2025, large-scale raids took place across the country.

Among those detained were Daria Egereva and Natalia Leongardt, who, according to him, face up to 20 years in prison.

“As a result, many activists are forced to leave or remain silent. Entire peoples are left without a voice.”

He concluded his speech with a call:

“Freedom for Daria Egereva, Natalia Leongardt, and all political prisoners!”