#StayAtHome We, representatives of the indigenous peoples of Russia, appeal to indigenous persons who serve in the Russian armed forces with a request not to take part in the shameful war in Ukraine that president Putin calls a "special military operation". It is well known that the indigenous territories of Russia, where indigenous peoples live, … Continue reading Аn appeal of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia to representatives of indigenous peoples in the Russian armed forces
Category: English
Statement of the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation on the support of the Russian president Vladimir Putin
Почему мы публикуем пропагандистские материалы из России?Why do we republish Russian propaganda? STATEMENT of the All-Russian Public Movement"Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation". We, the representatives of Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, express our support to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who has decided to protect the rights and interests … Continue reading Statement of the Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Russian Federation on the support of the Russian president Vladimir Putin
Why the Saami Council damages the Saami community with its political, biased and anti-Russian statement
Почему мы публикуем пропагандистские материалы из России? Following § 1 of the Statute, the Saami Council is a public and independent cultural and political cooperation organization of the major Saami organizations in Norway, Russia, Finland and Sweden. The Saami Council is a non-governmental public organization. Also, according to § 2 of the Statute, the main … Continue reading Why the Saami Council damages the Saami community with its political, biased and anti-Russian statement
RUSSIA’S LARGEST INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE WAR IN UKRAINE
- It's no wonder since that organization is entirely under the Putin government's control, says Indigenous activist Pavel Sulyandziga, who has escaped to the USA. Pavel Sulyandziga. FOTO: DAN ROBERT LARSEN / NRK Russia's largest Indigenous organization, RAIPON (Russia's northern Indigenous people's organization), has declared that it completely supports Vladimir Putin's Ukraine war. In the … Continue reading RUSSIA’S LARGEST INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Russia’s Indigenous Peoples speak out against the war in Ukraine
Because of the war in Ukraine, Russia has been banned from attending this year’s United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which opened this week in New York. Instead, a Ukrainian delegation, led by an ethnic Crimean Tatar, is taking their place. Also in the Russian government’s absence, exiled and emigre Russian Indigenous Leaders have … Continue reading Russia’s Indigenous Peoples speak out against the war in Ukraine
Advocating for the Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in European Laws on Battery Regulation
In March of 2022, Cultural Survival’s Executive Director Galina Angarova (Buryat) and Director of Programs Avexnim Cojti (Maya K’iche’) traveled to Brussels, Belgium, to meet with Members of the European Parliament, environmental and civil society groups engaged in advocacy efforts around the new European Union battery regulation and the proposed horizontal due diligence law. In this podcast, we … Continue reading Advocating for the Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in European Laws on Battery Regulation
War protesting Sámi activist from Kola seeks asylum in Norway
Andrei Danilov, a Kildin Sami activist from the Kola Peninsula protesting the war against Ukraine outside Russia's Embassy in Oslo. Photo: Private “I can never return to Russia before the genocide regime is changed,” says Andrei Danilov, a Kildin Sámi from Olenegorsk on the Kola Peninsula. Danilov is a well-known Sámi politician and member of … Continue reading War protesting Sámi activist from Kola seeks asylum in Norway
My life is in great danger in Russia
The war in Ukraine became the triggering reason why Andrei Danilov no longer wants to live in Russia. MISSING DEMOCRACY: Andrei Danilov with the Storting in the background. The Sami activist wants Russia to have a functioning democracy like Norway has. PHOTO: DAN ROBERT LARSEN / NRK - I've been thinking about this for a … Continue reading My life is in great danger in Russia
How Ukraine invasion will hit Russia’s marginalised: An indigenous activist explains
Down To Earth talks to Pavel Sulyandziga, an indigenous activist about what is happening in Russia, especially to its indigenous and marginalised people. A lot has been said about how the Russian invasion is devastating for Ukraine. But what about the people in Russia? A war always comes at a cost; also, there are economic … Continue reading How Ukraine invasion will hit Russia’s marginalised: An indigenous activist explains
Stop the war: Russian indigenous people speak out from exile
While the war in Ukraine is claiming more and more lives, the human rights situation in Russia itself is visibly deteriorating. Now Russian indigenous people from exile are speaking out in a public statement. The STP (Society for Threatened Peoples) joins them in strongly condemning Putin's war against Ukraine and demands respect for human rights … Continue reading Stop the war: Russian indigenous people speak out from exile
Joining Together for a Just Transition: Indigenous Leadership in Emerging Green Economies
This article is co-written by members of a coalition working to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the transition to the Green Economy: Cultural Survival, First Peoples Worldwide, Batani Fund, Aborigen Forum, Earthworks, and the Society for Threatened Peoples. Indigenous communities are taking a leadership role in emerging green energy economies by holding companies accountable to human rights … Continue reading Joining Together for a Just Transition: Indigenous Leadership in Emerging Green Economies
RAIPON supports the decision of President Putin to start the war in Ukraine
Dear friends, brothers and sisters! Today, the Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation held a meeting of the Coordinating Council, where leaders of indigenous peoples and leaders of regional NGOs unanimously supported the decisions of our president, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The text of the letter … Continue reading RAIPON supports the decision of President Putin to start the war in Ukraine
Statement of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia
WE – the undersigned representatives of the Indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East living outside of Russia against our will—are outraged by the war President Putin has unleashed against Ukraine. At the moment, the entire population of Ukraine is in grave danger. Old people, women and children are dying. Cities and … Continue reading Statement of the International Committee of Indigenous Peoples of Russia
IWGIA, INFOE and Indigenous Russia sent a submission to the UN Human Rights Council on violations of indigenous rights in Russia
IWGIA, the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs and INFOE, the Institute for Ecology and Action Anthropology and the information center "Indigenous Russia" submitted comments on Russia's response to the List of Issues of March 29, 2021, for the UN Human Rights Committee within the Convention of Civil and Political Rights. The submission was proposed … Continue reading IWGIA, INFOE and Indigenous Russia sent a submission to the UN Human Rights Council on violations of indigenous rights in Russia
In Russia, Indigenous land defenders face intimidation and exile | Al Jazeera
Pressure on communities comes as regional elites and big companies look to develop resource-rich Indigenous lands. The police officers could have planted drugs in his backpack, Andrey Danilov says. So he refused to show its contents to the officers who did not identify themselves or say why they approached him in late August 2021 in … Continue reading In Russia, Indigenous land defenders face intimidation and exile | Al Jazeera
Alexey Tsykarev: “Being pretty detailed and firm in the commitment to protect the rights of indigenous minority peoples”
How the Russian state agent in the UN, Alexey Tsykarev, propagandizes the Nornickel company and the Russian indigenous rights legal practice at the international level Alexey Tsykarev. Photo - top-profile.com According to the World Bank, it is estimated that there are between 370 and 500 million indigenous people spread across 90 countries worldwide. Although they … Continue reading Alexey Tsykarev: “Being pretty detailed and firm in the commitment to protect the rights of indigenous minority peoples”
Aborigen-Forum sent a complaint to the UN in connection with malnourished Mansi children at a boarding school in the Sverdlovsk region
Russian version: To: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs. Michelle Bachelet Jeria,UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Mr. Francisco Cali Tzay,Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Mr. Michael FakhriUN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN Committee on the Rights of the … Continue reading Aborigen-Forum sent a complaint to the UN in connection with malnourished Mansi children at a boarding school in the Sverdlovsk region
Open letter in support of Mr. Andrei Danilov and other Indigenous activists in Russia affected by reprisals and harassment organized by police and governmental bodies
Russian version Sign the letter here: To:Russian President, Mr. Vladimir PutinRussian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergey LavrovCopy:UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mrs. Michelle Bachelet Jeria,UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Mr. Francisco Cali Tzay,UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Mary LawlorUN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of … Continue reading Open letter in support of Mr. Andrei Danilov and other Indigenous activists in Russia affected by reprisals and harassment organized by police and governmental bodies
Pressure on activists and NGOs protesting against climate change and unsustainable energy in Russia
This article was written and originally published as a part of the Report of the Standing Committee on Environmental Rights to the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights of the Russian Federation. Translated and published in English (2021). Since the 2000s, legislation regarding environmental protection and public participation has been weakened while legislation on NGOs … Continue reading Pressure on activists and NGOs protesting against climate change and unsustainable energy in Russia
Russia’s Indigenous Peoples call for international support to save the Arctic
Shifting to electric vehicles (EV) is seen as an important step towards a greener future. However, the process of extracting nickel, a crucial component of EV batteries, very often is not environmental-friendly. The world’s largest producer of nickel, Nornickel, has been destroying the environment and violating Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Arctic for decades. Indigenous Peoples are … Continue reading Russia’s Indigenous Peoples call for international support to save the Arctic
2022 International summer program on indigenous peoples’ rights and policy at Columbia University (19 May to 11 June 2022) now open for applications
Dear Colleagues and Friends, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race are glad to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the 2022 International Summer Program on Indigenous Peoples' Rights and Policy (ISSP). This program also enjoys the cooperation of the University of … Continue reading 2022 International summer program on indigenous peoples’ rights and policy at Columbia University (19 May to 11 June 2022) now open for applications
Andrey Danilov, a well-known Sami politician, was detained by the police at the Imandra Viking Fest in the Murmansk region
Today, August 29th, 2021 in the city of Monchegorsk (Murmansk region), during the Imandra Viking Fest organized by the Monchegorsk Development Agency with the support of "NorNickel" and the town administration, police officers detained Andrey Danilov, a well-known Saami politician and director of the Saami Heritage and Development Fund. Andrei was requested to have his … Continue reading Andrey Danilov, a well-known Sami politician, was detained by the police at the Imandra Viking Fest in the Murmansk region
Urgent Appeal To Governments, United Nations And International Community To Immediately Address The Alarming Conditions Of Indigenous Peoples In Relation To Covid-19 And The More Lethal Delta Variant
We, Indigenous Peoples, and the wider civil society, call on governments, the United Nations, and the international community to urgently heed the global and persistent call for an immediate, adequate and culturally-appropriate response to help Indigenous Peoples communities in the time of this COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disproportionately affected Indigenous Peoples and is exacerbating … Continue reading Urgent Appeal To Governments, United Nations And International Community To Immediately Address The Alarming Conditions Of Indigenous Peoples In Relation To Covid-19 And The More Lethal Delta Variant
D. Berezhkov. A fundamental gap in the understanding of reality between Norilsk Nickel and indigenous peoples
An expanded meeting of the Public Chamber of the city of Norilsk, dedicated to the activities of Norilsk Nickel and «improving the quality of life in Norilsk,» took place in Taimyr in the last days of July. It was a fairly large meeting attended by representatives of public organizations, ecologists, top managers of Norilsk Nickel, … Continue reading D. Berezhkov. A fundamental gap in the understanding of reality between Norilsk Nickel and indigenous peoples
The Indigenous Minorities of the North in Russia received over $ 1.3 million in additional funding
100 million roubles (over $ 1.3 million) will be allocated in addition to funding a five-year programme designed to protect the original habitat and to support traditional activities of the Indigenous Minorities of the North in Russia, according to the program’s donor, Norilsk Nickel Company. The implementation of the programme has been driven by the … Continue reading The Indigenous Minorities of the North in Russia received over $ 1.3 million in additional funding
Archive iR. Nornickel’s support programme for indigenous people is quickly becoming a model for other mining companies
Russian firm Nornickel’s support programme for indigenous people is quickly becoming a model for other mining companies to follow. Russian mineral giant Nornickel, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-quality nickel and a major producer of platinum, cobalt and copper, has announced plans to allocate an additional 100 million roubles (1.15 million euros) to … Continue reading Archive iR. Nornickel’s support programme for indigenous people is quickly becoming a model for other mining companies
ADC Memorial report. Alluvial Gold Mining is Destroying the Life of the Indigenous Peoples of the Taiga
This report describes the catastrophic consequences of gold mining and violations of the rights of the Shor – a small Indigenous people living in the southwestern area of the Republic of Khakassia and in southern Kemerovo Oblast. Placer gold mining destroys rivers and the natural environment in general in places where the Shor people traditionally reside, … Continue reading ADC Memorial report. Alluvial Gold Mining is Destroying the Life of the Indigenous Peoples of the Taiga
Archive iR. Alluvial Gold Mining is Destroying the Life of the Indigenous Peoples of the Taiga
This report describes the catastrophic consequences of gold mining and violations of the rights of the Shor – a small Indigenous people living in the southwestern area of the Republic of Khakassia and in southern Kemerovo Oblast. Placer gold mining destroys rivers and the natural environment in general in places where the Shor people traditionally reside, … Continue reading Archive iR. Alluvial Gold Mining is Destroying the Life of the Indigenous Peoples of the Taiga
Russia Calls For Restoring Work Of Bering Strait Regional Commission – Antonov
Russia calls for reviving the work of the Bering Strait Regional Commission to include representatives of the indigenous population, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said during a meeting at the Council for US-Russia Relations (RAPP) on Tuesday. "The participants of the Pacific Partnership include the Arctic regions of the two countries, Antonov … Continue reading Russia Calls For Restoring Work Of Bering Strait Regional Commission – Antonov
Archive iR. One of the biggest German investment company began to get rid of the Nornickel shares
German corporations must demand that Russian extractive company Nornickel respect indigenous rights and environmental standards – or end business deals After more than 21,000 tons of diesel leaked from a power plant tank in May 2020, causing the largest oil spill in the Russian Arctic to date, the company responsible, Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel), had to … Continue reading Archive iR. One of the biggest German investment company began to get rid of the Nornickel shares
Archive iR. Mega oil project in Russia’s far north threatens Arctic indigenous communities
Rosneft is developing a massive oil project on the Taymyr peninsula with 15 towns, a port, two airports and 800km of pipeline Gennady Schukin has returned to his flat in the city of Dudinka, above the Arctic circle, from a 600 kilometre trip to round up his reindeer. At this time of year in this … Continue reading Archive iR. Mega oil project in Russia’s far north threatens Arctic indigenous communities
Archive iR. Tjan Zaotschnaja. People tell me that they would be questioned by the secret service about our conversations
Tjan Zaotschnaja grew up on Kamchatka, a Russian peninsula, in an indigenous hunter family. As a member of the Itelmens people she campaigned for human rights in the former Soviet Union until 1980, when she was expelled from the country and came to Germany. Since then, the now 70-year-old has acted as an intermediary between … Continue reading Archive iR. Tjan Zaotschnaja. People tell me that they would be questioned by the secret service about our conversations
Indigenous peoples call on Nornickel’s global partners to demand environmental action
Nornickel’s multibillion-dollar worth mining- and metallurgical plants on the Siberian tundra are key to deliver metals for the electromobility industry. The company produces one third of the global supply of nickel and has some of the largest factories in the world for copper and cobalt. All three metals are in growing demand as Europe, Asia … Continue reading Indigenous peoples call on Nornickel’s global partners to demand environmental action
Stop the terror against human rights organizations and civil society in the Russian Federation. Written statement submitted to the UN Human Rights Council
Human Rights CouncilForty-sixth session22 February 19 March 2021Agenda items 3 and 4Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Written statement* submitted by Yakutia - Our Opinion, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status. The Secretary-General has received the following written statement which is … Continue reading Stop the terror against human rights organizations and civil society in the Russian Federation. Written statement submitted to the UN Human Rights Council
Vulnerable Communities: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected Indigenous People in the Russian Arctic?
By Pavel Devyatkin With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the world has found itself in a global health emergency, which has caused a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and brought normal life around the world to a halt for the better part of a year. The Arctic Institute’s COVID-19 series offers an … Continue reading Vulnerable Communities: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected Indigenous People in the Russian Arctic?
In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Herders in the Yamal Peninsula despair as thick layers of ice prevent their animals from getting access to the indispensable lichen. Locals in the far northern Russian region believe between 60,000-80,000 animals might have died of starvation over the past few months. The tragedy follows the formation of a thick layer of ice across major parts of … Continue reading In Russian tundra tragedy, up to 80,000 reindeer might have starved to death
Second Letter to BASF on Nornickel. “BASF must take action to address NorNickel’s violations”
Representatives of Indigenous Peoples, environmental and human rights organizations criticize BASF for not taking action to address NorNickel’s impacts to Indigenous Peoples of Russia’s Far North Dear Dr. Dohrn: Thank you for your response of December 4, 2020. We appreciate that you recognize NorNickel’s history and legacy of severe environmental incidents. Unfortunately, based on the evidence … Continue reading Second Letter to BASF on Nornickel. “BASF must take action to address NorNickel’s violations”
BASF response letter
Friday, 12/4/2020Dr. Matthias Dohrnmatthias.dohrn@basf.com Dear Ms. DeLuca, dear Mr. Sulyandziga,Thank you for your letter. We appreciate civil society concerns as important support of our sustainability due diligence management. As you mentioned, BASF is strongly committed to fostering a responsible andsustainable battery materials supply chain. Nornickel has experienced severe environmental incidents and has a legacy to … Continue reading BASF response letter
Russia Should Get Behind Arctic Ban on Dirty Fuel
In recent years, Russia has emerged as a global leader in the production and transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The projects are highly innovative, mighty impressive, and very expensive. However, Russia’s strides in switching to LNG in the Arctic will be hindered by their reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO). HFO, known also as bunker fuel or … Continue reading Russia Should Get Behind Arctic Ban on Dirty Fuel
Russia’s indigenous peoples are in the crosshairs of COVID-19
In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases in Russia have surged. On October 21, Russian officials announced a record daily death toll of 317, but ruled out a strict lockdown. The pandemic has laid bare and exacerbated the inequalities of societies the world over, and Russia is no exception. Now activists have raised concern for the fate of 250,000 people belonging to … Continue reading Russia’s indigenous peoples are in the crosshairs of COVID-19
Window on Eurasia: Ussuri Activist, Now in US Exile, Recalls First Real Elections in His Home Region in 1987
Paul Goble Staunton, November 8 — It is easy to forget if one lives in a country where voting in multiple candidate elections have taken place for decades or even centuries how new that idea is in the Russian Federation where the first genuinely competitive voting took place less than 35 years ago in 1987. … Continue reading Window on Eurasia: Ussuri Activist, Now in US Exile, Recalls First Real Elections in His Home Region in 1987
Aborigen Forum response to the “Development strategy for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security through 2035”
Open Statement Aborigen Forum is an informal alliance of independent experts, activists, leaders, and community organizations representing indigenous peoples of the North, Siberia, and the Far East. Aborigen Forum expresses extreme concern about the approval of the Arctic zone development strategy through 2035, which, in essence, is an updated state program for national economic development … Continue reading Aborigen Forum response to the “Development strategy for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and ensuring national security through 2035”
First Letter to BASF on Nornickel
November 10, 2020 Dr. Stefanie WettbergSenior Vice PresidentInvestor RelationsBASF SE Dr. Michael BaierSenior Vice PresidentGlobal Battery MaterialsCatalysts DivisionBASF SE Via E-mail: Stefanie.Wettberg@basf.comMichael.Baier@basf.com Dr. Wettberg and Dr. Baier: We understand that BASF SE has long-standing business relationships with Nornickel. Wealso understand that BASF has publicly stated its strong commitment to fostering a responsible and sustainable battery … Continue reading First Letter to BASF on Nornickel
Nornickel is “cynical, corrupt and socially irresponsible”, says Russia’s top legislator
Following a parliament visit to the far northern company town of Norilsk, the Federation Council and its Speaker Valentina Matvienko expresses shock and outrage about company mismanagement and massive pollution in the Arctic. After decades of massive ecological destruction in the Russian North, federal officials appear to have decided that time has come to slap … Continue reading Nornickel is “cynical, corrupt and socially irresponsible”, says Russia’s top legislator
Another smoggy Sunday in the town with factories owned by Russia’s richest man
Nornickel’s pollution cloud covering the fragile taiga forest on the Kola Peninsula comes only a few days after CEO Vladimir Potanin said a company that pays high dividends to shareholders must be able to spend serious funds on ensuring sustainable development. People driving the Kola highway have seen it before. Like in late July when … Continue reading Another smoggy Sunday in the town with factories owned by Russia’s richest man
Organization Sign-On Letter to Tesla: Respect Indigenous Peoples in your Supply Chain
Dear Elon Musk, CEO Tesla, Inc. It has come to our attention that Tesla is actively seeking to establish long-term contracts with nickel producers. In this regard, we, the undersigned representatives of Indigenous Peoples, environmental and human rights organizations, experts and representatives of academia reiterate a call from Indigenous Peoples of Russia urging Tesla NOT … Continue reading Organization Sign-On Letter to Tesla: Respect Indigenous Peoples in your Supply Chain
Tesla urged to respect indigenous rights in supply chain by not sourcing from Norilsk Nickel
Over 70 NGOs have signed on to a letter urging Tesla to respect Indigenous rights in its supply chain, by not sourcing nickel mined by Nornickel (Norilsk Nickel), until the company makes effort to address the minimum standards set out by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This request comes after major … Continue reading Tesla urged to respect indigenous rights in supply chain by not sourcing from Norilsk Nickel
Investors Shrug as Tesla Promises $25,000 EV in Three Years
While Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk promised a US$25,000 electric vehicle within three years, driven by dramatic production cost reductions and performance improvements, for battery cells, his highly-touted Battery Day event earlier this week ended up disappointing investors looking for a bigger announcement and faster results. Tesla’s plans add up to a 56% reduction … Continue reading Investors Shrug as Tesla Promises $25,000 EV in Three Years
How Nornickel Became the Arctic’s Biggest
One Russian company releases more sulfur dioxide into the air than the whole of the U.S. Ecologists often joke that Europe owes its clean skies to the dirty sky of Norilsk — and there’s more than a shred of truth in this assertion. The Nornickel mining and metallurgical company supplies metals to 37 countries, where … Continue reading How Nornickel Became the Arctic’s Biggest
Russian Indigenous communities are begging Tesla not to get its nickel from this major polluter
Maddie Stoneon Sep 21, 2020 Every year in August and September, the people of Ust’-Avam, a remote indigenous community located in the Taimyr region of the Russian Arctic, toss nets into the Avam River to catch tugunok fish, an important traditional food. This year, the community stopped fishing early, around the start of the month. … Continue reading Russian Indigenous communities are begging Tesla not to get its nickel from this major polluter