ODIHR Director expresses concern over amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ in Russian Federation

WARSAW, 31 January 2020 – Following amendments to legislation on ‘foreign agents’ that places  further restrictions on human rights organizations in the Russian Federation, Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), said:

“I am concerned that the ‘foreign agents’ law will have a negative impact on civil society and free media and on their ability to operate freely in the Russian Federation. Recent amendments, which extend the status of a 'foreign agent’ to private individuals, impose new restrictions on the operation of media outlets categorized as 'foreign agents’, and increase the imposable fines”.

Pressure on Memorial organizations in Russia has increased in recent years, presenting even more challenges for such organizations to carry out their work. The International Memorial and the Human Rights Centre Memorial are facing fines and are involved in administrative court proceedings over alleged violation of the ‘foreign agents’ law.  

“I call on the Russian authorities to revisit the law and to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society organizations, allowing them to continue their important work.”

The OSCE’s 57 participating States have committed to ensuring that individuals are able to exercise their freedom of association, including the right to participate effectively in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) seeking to promote and protect of human rights (Copenhagen 1990). Participating States further acknowledge the vital role played by human rights defenders, both organizations and individuals, in ensuring full respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Helsinki 1975). They also emphasized “the need for the protection of human rights defenders” (Budapest 1994), in line with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.