This report follows a visit to the Russian Federation by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, and examines the situation of indigenous people in the Russian Federation in light of relevant international human rights standards. The report is focused on those groups whose members number less than 50,000 and are recognized by the Russian Federation as “smallnumbered indigenous peoples” entitled to special protections, although the report notes that other groups with similar, historically-rooted characteristics of economic and social disadvantage, and whose cultures and ways of life are also threatened, are likewise in need of attention in accordance with international standards.
The Special Rapporteur notes that the Government of the Russian Federation has manifested a commitment to improving the living conditions of indigenous peoples and to advancing their cultures and participation in decision-making, in accordance with constitutional and other legal protections for them, having developed a comprehensive policy addressing indigenous peoples with a number of programme initiatives, as set forth in its widely circulated “Concept Paper” of 2009. Further, some regional governments demonstrate a remarkable level of consideration of indigenous issues in their legislative and development initiatives. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur observes that indigenous peoples of Russia continue to face multiple impediments to the full enjoyment of their human rights, especially in some regions. Further efforts are needed to ensure that the existing laws guaranteeing indigenous communities’ rights over land and to natural resources are fully and consistently implemented throughout Russia and for all indigenous peoples; that indigenous peoples are ensured adequate political representation at the municipal, regional and federal levels of government; and that indigenous people’s right to consultation in decisions affecting them, including decisions about the industrial development of natural resources; and their right to determine that their legal and governing structures and economic priorities are fully respected.
Conscious of these challenges, the Special Rapporteur offers several recommendations that may serve to enhance the recognition and protection of the rights of the indigenous peoples in Russia in line with the Government’s commitments and international standards, together with the recommendation that the Government consider declaring its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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