Closure of Russian Memorial organizations of grave concern, OSCE Human Rights Head says

WARSAW, 29 December 2021 – Following two Russian court decisions this week to close both the International Memorial Society and its sister organization Human Rights Center Memorial, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed profound concern and called on the Russian authorities to ensure a safe and enabling space for civil society.

“These decisions represent a severe setback for organizations committed to raising awareness and advancing human rights in the Russian Federation,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci.

Yesterday, the Russian Federation’s Supreme Court ruled the closure of the International Memorial Society and of all of its regional offices and other branches​. By verdict of the Moscow City Court today, Human Rights Center Memorial will also be closed. The courts ruled that Memorial must be dissolved in its entirety for failing to mark all its publications, including social media posts, with their status as a ‘foreign agent’.

Both rulings are based on the so-called ‘foreign agents law’, which requires all NGOs, media outlets, informal movements and individuals that have received any foreign funding and are engaged in too vaguely termed ‘political activity’ to be listed as a ‘foreign agent’. The law has already resulted in numerous civil society organizations being fined, stigmatized, deprived of funding, and closed. This legislation has been criticized by human rights organizations for violating the right to freedom of association, hindering the work of human rights organizations and defenders, and narrowing the space for freedom of the association in Russia.

All countries of the OSCE have explicitly recognized the importance of freedom of association for democracies, and committed to ensuring that everyone has access to this right, which includes the ability to form, join and participate in non-governmental organizations that are active in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Monitoring OSCE countries for their respect for freedom of association and protection of civil space, and supporting them in ensuring they are in line with these commitments, is core to ODIHR’s mandate,” Mr Mecacci added. “We stand ready to provide our assistance to the Russian Federation to review and improve restrictive legislation on NGOs, as States should not silence criticism by citizens’ organizations, but should rather engage with them.”

ODIHR emphasizes the positive role played by human rights organizations and highlights the overriding importance of allowing them to work in a free and safe environment. In accordance with international human rights standards, the ‘foreign agents’ legislation should be reviewed, allowing human rights organizations such as International Memorial and Human Rights Center Memorial to operate in line with their right to freedom of expression and association.

ODIHR will continue to follow the developments in this case, and once again offers to provide expertise and tools to help strengthen human rights and democratic institutions in the Russian Federation, for the benefit of all.