ODIHR Director Link criticizes classification of Memorial as foreign agent

WARSAW, 23 December 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today criticized that the human rights group International Historical, Educational, Charitable and Human Rights Society “Memorial” has been confirmed a “foreign agent” by a district court in the Russian Federation.

“I am alarmed that the decision to register ‘Memorial’, one of Russia’s and Europe’s most respected human rights groups, as a foreign agent has been upheld by the district court,” Director Link said. “This organization’s contribution to raising public awareness and its commitment to monitoring the respect for human rights in Russia remains indispensable.”

On December 16, the Zamoskvoretsky District Court upheld the Justice Ministry’s October decision to add the “Memorial” International Society to the registry of foreign agents.

“The court’s decision highlights the growing problems faced by non-governmental organizations working in Russia, shrinking the scope for civil society working on human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia," said Director Link.‎ “The Russian government has committed to protecting and promoting fundamental freedoms, including of association and expression. I expect the Russian government to make sure that all Russian citizens can make full use of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of assembly and expression.”

In Copenhagen in 1990, all OSCE participating States committed to ensuring that individuals are permitted to exercise their freedom of association, including the right to form, join and participate effectively in non-governmental organizations which seek the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The ODIHR/Venice Commission Guidelines on Freedom of Association lay out international standards for drafting human rights-compliant legislation on associations. The Council of Europe’s Venice Commission 2014 opinion on this “foreign agent” law highlighted unduly burdensome reporting and inspection requirements for NGOs once registered with the status.