Escalating Clampdown on Human Rights Defenders and Minorities
The ILGA World federation has condemned Russia’s recent move to label it as an “undesirable” foreign organization, viewing it as further persecution against human rights defenders and the LGBTI community. This decision is part of an ongoing wave of actions aimed at stifling civil society, and criminalizing efforts to support minority rights.
Ban on Interaction with ILGA World
A new law prohibits any interaction between Russian citizens, including NGOs linked with ILGA World, and organizations labeled as “undesirable.” Initially introduced in 2015 and expanded in 2021 and 2024, this law functions as a tool to silence dissent, especially against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine. ILGA World, which consists of over 2,000 organizations across 170 countries and territories, is widely recognized for its global advocacy for LGBTI rights.
Absence of Official Explanation
Multiple sources report that the Russian Ministry of Justice announced this decision on January 21 via its official site, targeting eight other organizations from the US and Europe. However, ILGA World did not receive direct communication, leaving the exact reasons for this designation ambiguous. This lack of transparency reflects a larger pattern of authoritarian repression.
Global Criticism of Repressive Laws
Russia’s “undesirable organizations” law has been sharply criticized by international entities, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, and the UN Human Rights Committee. These institutions frequently demand its revision or repeal due to violations of essential freedoms. Under this law, any Russian individual working with a listed organization risks up to six years in prison.
LGBTI: A Frequent Target of Russian Policies
For over ten years, the Kremlin has intensified legislative measures to suppress LGBTI movements. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court branded the so-called “international LGBT movement” as “extremist,” even lacking a definitive entity. This classification enables arbitrary prosecution of individuals associated with the movement. By 2024, seven criminal cases were launched for “LGBTI extremism,” and the amount of censored content for alleged propaganda was twelve times higher than the previous year. A new law in July 2025 even prohibits online searches related to organizations deemed extremist.
Global Solidarity Remains Strong
“Justice starts with human rights defenders holding governments accountable,” declared Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World. She criticized the move as a tactic to distract from the power and wealth consolidation by elites, noting a pattern of regime rhetoric labeling domestic enemies.
Ehrt concluded, “Calling human rights groups ‘undesirable’ is grotesque and cynical, yet it is a reality. […] In spite of governmental attempts to legislate against LGBTI existence, these movements will persist with resilience, and solidarity will transcend borders.”
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