Increased Crackdown on Human Rights Defenders and Minorities

The ILGA World federation has criticized Russia’s recent decision to classify it as an “undesirable” foreign organization, calling it another act of persecution against human rights defenders and LGBTI communities. This move is part of a growing trend of suppressive actions aimed at silencing civil society and criminalizing any form of solidarity or advocacy for minority rights.

Legislation to Ban Cooperation with ILGA World

The legislation prohibits any interaction between Russian citizens, including local NGOs affiliated with ILGA World, and organizations deemed “undesirable.” Enacted in 2015 and expanded in 2021 and 2024, this law serves as a state control tool to marginalize dissenting voices, particularly in the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine. ILGA World comprises over 2,000 organizations across 170 countries and territories, with its global LGBTI rights work widely recognized.

A Decision Without Official Justification

According to multiple sources, the Russian Ministry of Justice announced the decision on January 21 via its official website, targeting eight other organizations based in the United States and Europe. However, ILGA World has not received direct notification, leaving the precise reasons for this designation unclear. This lack of transparency aligns with a broader strategy of authoritarian repression.

International Voices Criticize Repressive Legislation

The Russian law on “undesirable organizations” has been repeatedly criticized by international bodies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, and the UN Human Rights Committee. These institutions regularly call for its revision or repeal due to its infringements on fundamental freedoms. Under this law, any individual in Russia collaborating with a designated organization risks up to six years in prison.

LGBTI: A Recurrent Target of Russian Power

For over a decade, the Kremlin has been bolstering its legislative arsenal to suppress LGBTI movements. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court labeled the so-called “international LGBT movement” as “extremist,” despite the absence of a concrete entity fitting this description. This designation paves the way for arbitrary prosecution against anyone perceived as associated with this movement. By 2024, seven criminal cases had been initiated for “LGBTI extremism,” and the number of censored contents for alleged propaganda increased twelvefold compared to the previous year. A new law passed in July 2025 even bans online searches related to organizations classified as extremist.

Unwavering Global Solidarity

“Justice begins with human rights defenders holding governments accountable,” stated Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World. She condemned the maneuver as a means to divert public attention from the concentration of power and wealth by elites. According to her, this strategy of labeling domestic enemies has become a recurring pattern in authoritarian regimes.

Ms. Ehrt concluded, “Labeling human rights groups as ‘undesirable’ is grotesque and cynical, yet it is the reality. […] Regardless of governmental efforts to legislate against the existence of LGBTI individuals, these movements will remain strong and committed, and solidarity will continue beyond borders.”

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