UN Special Rapporteur: Indigenous Rights Defenders Face Threat of Russia’s Transnational Repression

Indigenous rights defenders are among the groups mentioned in the materials of UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia Mariana Katzarova concerning the Russian Federation’s transnational repression.

The report, titled “No Safe Haven: Exporting the ‘Rule of Fear’ Beyond Borders — Transnational Repression of the Russian Federation”, was presented to the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. It is based on nearly 400 documented cases of persecution targeting Russians living abroad and other people whom the Russian authorities regard as opponents.

Katzarova describes a system of persecution targeting critics of the Russian authorities abroad, including surveillance, threats, pressure on relatives, criminal prosecution and other forms of intimidation. In her assessment, leaving Russia does not necessarily mean that persecution will stop.

For Indigenous rights activists, the issue became particularly relevant after the events of 17 December 2025, when coordinated searches and interrogations of Indigenous representatives took place in several regions of Russia. Selkup activist Daria Egereva and human rights defender Natalia Leongardt were detained and charged in connection with alleged participation in a “terrorist organization.” Following this wave of persecution, a number of Indigenous activists were forced to leave Russia.

Katzarova’s new report shows that for human rights defenders and activists living abroad, risks may persist even after they cross Russia’s border. The Special Rapporteur called for the development of a UN international convention against transnational repression and for mechanisms to prevent such repression and hold those responsible accountable.

Following the presentation of the report in Geneva, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur was held with the participation of representatives of states and civil society. Olga Kostrova, an Indigenous rights activist, spoke at the meeting. She recalled the events of 17 December and drew attention to the risks of repression faced by Indigenous human rights defenders who engage with UN mechanisms.

In April 2026, UN Special Procedures had already addressed the Russian authorities regarding the cases of Egereva and Leongardt. The experts noted that the prosecution of Daria Egereva may constitute intimidation and reprisals in connection with her engagement with the UN and international human rights mechanisms.

Kostrova called on Russia to immediately release Egereva and Leongardt and to end the persecution of Indigenous human rights defenders.

The issue raised by Kostrova is directly connected to the subject of Katzarova’s report: for Indigenous activists forced to leave Russia, crossing the border does not guarantee an end to pressure. Continued criminal prosecution, threats, pressure on relatives who remain in Russia, and other forms of pressure against people living abroad are among the mechanisms of transnational repression described in the report.

IR