Indigenous Russian Human Rights Defenders Targeted by Russian Government Appeal to United Nations
"We are reaching out to you regarding the egregious act committed by the Russian government, which simultaneously included 55 organizations of indigenous peoples of Russia, fighting for their rights, in the list of extremist and terrorist organizations."
"According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, from now on any participation in the activities of these organizations, cooperation, or even communication with them threatens years of imprisonment for each representative of the indigenous peoples of Russia." Continue reading: https://icipr.international/archives/1053
The Voices of Russia's Anti-War Indigenous Women Denied Credentials at U.N. are Heard Anyway
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| Photo Yana Tannagasheva addressing U.N. https://vimeo.com/981992869 |
The voices of Russia's anti-war Indigenous activists who were denied credentials were heard anyway at the U.N. Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva. They told the U.N. that Russia needs mineral industries to wage its wars, and is asserting pressure at the U.N.
Oral intervention by Yana Tannagasheva, International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia, to U.N. Expert Mechanism on Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2024.
Censored News, July 11, 2024
Russian translation
Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair, for the floor.
The Russian government talks all the time about the colonialism of IP (Indigenous Peoples) in other countries but has never said that the IP of the North, Siberia and the Far East were also colonized and continue to suffer. The everyday reality of the Indigenous Peoples of Russia is profoundly different from the rights described by Russian government and some of non-independent Indigenous representatives from Russia.
At this time, I am going to speak on behalf of three Indigenous women (Buryat and Sakha Indigenous Peoples of Russia) who applied to attend this session, but for unknown reasons, unfortunately, were denied at the same time and were unable to travel to Geneva, although their tickets had already been purchased. These three strong activists represent anti-war organizations working on decolonial issues and drawing attention to violations of Indigenous rights in Russia and the impact of the war in Ukraine on their communities.
I will read their message.
We, the undersigned Indigenous activists of Russia, are deeply concerned about the current tendency at the UN of Russia’s introducing its representatives into international human rights and Indigenous Rights mechanisms, and we are also very concerned about the exclusion of independent Indigenous voices from Russia from mechanisms such as the UN EMRIP and the PFII.
We were not allowed to attend the 17th session of the EMRIP, but we hope that our voices will still be heard loudly. We believe that preventing independent representatives of Indigenous Peoples of Russia from attending UN sessions is a strong influence of the Russian Federation. Russia is trying to spread its propaganda in every possible way. Those who manage to participate in UN sessions are being pressurized by the Russian authorities in every possible way.
Russia needs the natural resources of Indigenous Peoples. By selling it, the country earns billions of dollars to wage wars, to maintain a high level in the capital, to generously feed the power structures and keep the oligarch class and the elite loyal. Unfortunately, some Indigenous People’ representatives fall under such influence. Such Indigenous representatives become a tool of Russia’s propaganda.
We call on the EMRIP, the PFII, the VF, UN treaty bodies, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to pay special attention to the representation of Indigenous Peoples of Russia, and we ask for ensuring the full and unhindered participation of independent Indigenous representatives in all future processes. It is very strange that the Association of the IP of Yamal made the same statement twice today. But nobody from independent indigenous from Russia.
We believe in the independence and commitment of UN mechanisms to freedom, inclusiveness, universality in the protection of Human Rights and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Thank you!
Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair, for the floor.
The Russian government talks all the time about the colonialism of IP (Indigenous Peoples) in other countries but has never said that the IP of the North, Siberia and the Far East were also colonized and continue to suffer. The everyday reality of the Indigenous Peoples of Russia is profoundly different from the rights described by Russian government and some of non-independent Indigenous representatives from Russia.
At this time, I am going to speak on behalf of three Indigenous women (Buryat and Sakha Indigenous Peoples of Russia) who applied to attend this session, but for unknown reasons, unfortunately, were denied at the same time and were unable to travel to Geneva, although their tickets had already been purchased. These three strong activists represent anti-war organizations working on decolonial issues and drawing attention to violations of Indigenous rights in Russia and the impact of the war in Ukraine on their communities.
I will read their message.
We, the undersigned Indigenous activists of Russia, are deeply concerned about the current tendency at the UN of Russia’s introducing its representatives into international human rights and Indigenous Rights mechanisms, and we are also very concerned about the exclusion of independent Indigenous voices from Russia from mechanisms such as the UN EMRIP and the PFII.
We were not allowed to attend the 17th session of the EMRIP, but we hope that our voices will still be heard loudly. We believe that preventing independent representatives of Indigenous Peoples of Russia from attending UN sessions is a strong influence of the Russian Federation. Russia is trying to spread its propaganda in every possible way. Those who manage to participate in UN sessions are being pressurized by the Russian authorities in every possible way.
Russia needs the natural resources of Indigenous Peoples. By selling it, the country earns billions of dollars to wage wars, to maintain a high level in the capital, to generously feed the power structures and keep the oligarch class and the elite loyal. Unfortunately, some Indigenous People’ representatives fall under such influence. Such Indigenous representatives become a tool of Russia’s propaganda.
We call on the EMRIP, the PFII, the VF, UN treaty bodies, and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to pay special attention to the representation of Indigenous Peoples of Russia, and we ask for ensuring the full and unhindered participation of independent Indigenous representatives in all future processes. It is very strange that the Association of the IP of Yamal made the same statement twice today. But nobody from independent indigenous from Russia.
We believe in the independence and commitment of UN mechanisms to freedom, inclusiveness, universality in the protection of Human Rights and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Thank you!
U.N. Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
17th session 8-12 July 2024
Item 5: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Interactive dialogue with UNPFII, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and members of the United Nations Treaty Bodies. (Statement first posted by Cultural Survival)
17th session 8-12 July 2024
Item 5: United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Interactive dialogue with UNPFII, the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples and members of the United Nations Treaty Bodies. (Statement first posted by Cultural Survival)
Also see:
Moscow Times: 'Are Indigenous Being Denied Credentials at U.N.'
Geneva, July 2024
"Last year, Tannagasheva was verbally harassed by Russian representative Sergey Chumarev during the plenary session of EMRIP after she delivered a speech on the exploitation of Shor Indigenous lands by the Russian state and coal mining developers."
Video: Khankhalaeva, from the Siberia region, describes the government's sacrifice of minority peoples to fight and die in the war; the violence against its neighbor; the lack of language and history of Indigenous in the schools; and the destruction of the environment.
"Freedom is for those who fight for it."
---
Oral intervention by Yana Tannagasheva on behalf of International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia (ICIPR) Geneva 2024
(English) Russian
Thank you, Mr. / Madam Chair,
I welcome the Item 3 of the session "Study and advice on Constitutions, laws, legislation, policies, judicial decisions, and other mechanisms through which States have taken measures to achieve the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with Article 38 of the Declaration”.
The Russian State, where live both small-numbered and numerous Indigenous Peoples, is not taking measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration.
Despite the fact that there is the Federal Law "On Guarantees of the Rights of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation" (1999), this law, in simple terms, does not work. As well as other laws.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Law "On guarantees…” small-numbered Indigenous Peoples and their communities have the right to:
- participate in exercising control over the use of different categories of lands necessary for operating the traditional economy and practicing the traditional crafts of small-numbered peoples…
I think you realise that things are different in Russia. It is only on paper that everything is fine with the Indigenous Peoples in Russia. But in fact, gross violations of Indigenous Rights are being reported to our organization/ICIPR. And I'm here to bring that information to you.
The situation with traditional fishing is difficult in the Far East. Indigenous Peoples cannot get the volumes of fish catch required by law. Very difficult to apply, and even if they submit applications, many people are banned to catch fish.
The regions in Russia have their own rules, which are in contradiction with the Federal Laws.
Next example, my Shor People of the Kemerovo region developed a project on the creation of the Territory of Traditional Use of natural resources (TTP) in accordance with the Federal Law "On territories of traditional use of natural resources by small-numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation" (2001), but neither the authorities nor the coal mining companies benefit from the Shorians having such territories/TTP. The lands of the Shor People are taken away by the coal companies, coal is extracted by open-pit mining, creating an ecological disaster, and villages are destroyed.
For example, the principle of FPIC is not observed in the Khakasia Republic, where the territory/TTP was established. But gold mining artels continue to extract gold, destroying the ecosystem. Especially the residents of the Neozhidannyi settlement suffer. And this is on the Territory of Traditional Nature Use!
In general, gold mining artels across Russia have stopped paying attention to any environmental restrictions, as the potential profits pay for any fines. Indigenous Peoples and eco experts are sounding the alarm about massive river pollution in Siberia and the Far East. In June 2024, 231 river contaminations were recorded in connection with placer gold mining.
The latest example, the Saami People of the Kola Peninsula are concerned about the arrival of “Nornickel” and “Rosatom” companies on their land. "It will destroy our land: the last we have left." The procedures of engagement, FPIC and ethno-expertise are, unfortunately, conducted by Indigenous GONGO, Russian State, “Nornickel” and “Rosatom” companies.
The absence of specific mechanisms of such Laws, corruption, affiliation - all this gives the Russian authorities to act arbitrarily.
The everyday reality of the Indigenous Peoples of Russia is profoundly different from the rights described in the Laws of the country.
There are no mechanisms to implement such laws. And this is done intentionally by the Russian authorities in order to report on international platforms, firstly, by the existence of such laws, allegedly, and secondly, to tell everyone positive examples of respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Russia.
Dear Mr/Madam Chair,
I support the recommendation that a monitoring body be established to promote and realise the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
I also recommend that the UN EMRIP, UN treaty bodies and other mechanisms urge the Russian Federation to ratify ILO 169, and to stop violating the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Russia.
I welcome the Item 3 of the session "Study and advice on Constitutions, laws, legislation, policies, judicial decisions, and other mechanisms through which States have taken measures to achieve the ends of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with Article 38 of the Declaration”.
The Russian State, where live both small-numbered and numerous Indigenous Peoples, is not taking measures to achieve the goals of the Declaration.
Despite the fact that there is the Federal Law "On Guarantees of the Rights of Small-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation" (1999), this law, in simple terms, does not work. As well as other laws.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Federal Law "On guarantees…” small-numbered Indigenous Peoples and their communities have the right to:
- participate in exercising control over the use of different categories of lands necessary for operating the traditional economy and practicing the traditional crafts of small-numbered peoples…
I think you realise that things are different in Russia. It is only on paper that everything is fine with the Indigenous Peoples in Russia. But in fact, gross violations of Indigenous Rights are being reported to our organization/ICIPR. And I'm here to bring that information to you.
The situation with traditional fishing is difficult in the Far East. Indigenous Peoples cannot get the volumes of fish catch required by law. Very difficult to apply, and even if they submit applications, many people are banned to catch fish.
The regions in Russia have their own rules, which are in contradiction with the Federal Laws.
Next example, my Shor People of the Kemerovo region developed a project on the creation of the Territory of Traditional Use of natural resources (TTP) in accordance with the Federal Law "On territories of traditional use of natural resources by small-numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation" (2001), but neither the authorities nor the coal mining companies benefit from the Shorians having such territories/TTP. The lands of the Shor People are taken away by the coal companies, coal is extracted by open-pit mining, creating an ecological disaster, and villages are destroyed.
For example, the principle of FPIC is not observed in the Khakasia Republic, where the territory/TTP was established. But gold mining artels continue to extract gold, destroying the ecosystem. Especially the residents of the Neozhidannyi settlement suffer. And this is on the Territory of Traditional Nature Use!
In general, gold mining artels across Russia have stopped paying attention to any environmental restrictions, as the potential profits pay for any fines. Indigenous Peoples and eco experts are sounding the alarm about massive river pollution in Siberia and the Far East. In June 2024, 231 river contaminations were recorded in connection with placer gold mining.
The latest example, the Saami People of the Kola Peninsula are concerned about the arrival of “Nornickel” and “Rosatom” companies on their land. "It will destroy our land: the last we have left." The procedures of engagement, FPIC and ethno-expertise are, unfortunately, conducted by Indigenous GONGO, Russian State, “Nornickel” and “Rosatom” companies.
The absence of specific mechanisms of such Laws, corruption, affiliation - all this gives the Russian authorities to act arbitrarily.
The everyday reality of the Indigenous Peoples of Russia is profoundly different from the rights described in the Laws of the country.
There are no mechanisms to implement such laws. And this is done intentionally by the Russian authorities in order to report on international platforms, firstly, by the existence of such laws, allegedly, and secondly, to tell everyone positive examples of respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Russia.
Dear Mr/Madam Chair,
I support the recommendation that a monitoring body be established to promote and realise the rights of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.
I also recommend that the UN EMRIP, UN treaty bodies and other mechanisms urge the Russian Federation to ratify ILO 169, and to stop violating the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Russia.
---
Yana was verbally attacked on the floor of the United Nations in 2022
"The July 4 incident is an illustration of the increasing pressure that Russia is putting on its more than 160 ethnic minorities. Yana, currently a refugee in Sweden, fears for her life, as well as the wellbeing of her loved ones. She told The G|O that indigenous peoples in Russia have become a target since the beginning of the war: “Any form of criticism against the government is being crushed,” she told us. “Before I made the trip to Geneva, my husband was very worried about my participation in the Geneva meeting. I have been vocal in criticizing the coal mines that are destroying my region in many international forums. There is a lot of money at stake in these operations and I’ve made some powerful people angry," wrote Indigenous Russia.
Original Series by Censored News
Testimony at U.N. Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, July 2024
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