Who Represents Russia at the UN on Indigenous Peoples: A New Investigation
Three independent organizations — Arktida, Batani Foundation, and Indigenous Institute — have published an investigation and two reports examining who currently speaks for Russia on Indigenous Peoples’ rights at international forums. Their conclusion is that delegations are increasingly being led by people with backgrounds in the security services, DOXA reports.
The issue centers on the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN). According to the authors, at least 13 agency employees have previously worked for the FSB, GRU, FSO, Interior Ministry, or Defense Ministry. Since 2015, FADN has been headed by Igor Barinov, a former FSB officer and State Duma deputy. According to the researchers, the agency leads Russian delegations to the UN Permanent Forum, trains “international representatives” through its School of Public Diplomacy, and distributes federal grants to NGOs.
The second report focuses on the Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON). The authors argue that it was established as an independent platform but now helps the state project an image of itself as a defender of Indigenous Peoples. They also point to funding from Nornickel received by organizations associated with the association. We did not receive comments from FADN, RAIPON, or the company itself, and all of these findings are presented on the basis of the reports.
The third report examines industrial development in the Arctic, including the Baimsky Mining and Processing Plant, Yamal LNG, Vostok Oil, and the Northern Sea Route. According to the authors, Indigenous communities themselves bear most of the costs. Consultations with them are often merely formal, while compensation does not correspond to the damage caused.
The article also presents another side of the issue. In December 2025, Selkup activist Daria Egereva, who had represented Indigenous Peoples at UN forums for many years, was detained in Moscow. Natalia Leongardt, a specialist in Indigenous rights, was subsequently arrested in the same case. Both are charged under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code for participation in the “Aborigen Forum,” which Russian authorities have designated as a terrorist organization. They face between 10 and 20 years in prison. In June, ten UN Special Procedures mandate holders called on the Russian authorities to end their prosecution.
Lana Pylaeva, a consultant with Arktida, believes that independent voices have been pushed out of international forums since 2013. In her view, without these voices, the real problems facing Indigenous communities cannot be heard, particularly in the Arctic, where pressure from security agencies, industrial development, and climate change intersect.
Sevr Nuu
Free Daria and Natalia!
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