Under a 2015 law, the "undesirable" label makes any involvement with the organization a criminal offense.
- Immediate Consequences: The designation forces HRW to cease all operations in Russia and exposes anyone who cooperates with or supports the organization to criminal prosecution, which can carry a maximum prison sentence of six years.
- HRW's Response: Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, stated, "Our work hasn't changed, but what's changed, dramatically, is the government's full-throttled embrace of dictatorial policies, its staggering rise in repression, and the scope of the war crimes its forces are committing in Ukraine."
- Historical Context: HRW began working on Russia in 1978 during the Soviet era and had maintained a Moscow office since 1992 until its registration was revoked in 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Wider Crackdown on Dissent
The ban on HRW is not an isolated incident but part of a coordinated political strategy to eliminate criticism.
- Targeting Navalny's Network: The day before the HRW ban, Russia's Supreme Court designated the U.S.-registered entity of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) as a "terrorist" group. The FBK itself said the move signals that "independent media, human rights projects, and local initiatives" will be next.
- Resurrecting Old Cases: A New Case Against Pussy Riot: Authorities announced a new case to designate the feminist punk band Pussy Riot as an "extremist" organization. This revives pressure on the group, whose members were imprisoned over a decade ago for a protest performance in a Moscow cathedral.
- A Growing List of "Undesirables": The Russian government's list of "undesirable organizations" now exceeds 275 entities. It includes independent news outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, anti-corruption watchdogs like Transparency International, and environmental groups like the World Wildlife Fund.
The Legal Arsenal of Repression
The "undesirable organizations" law is one of several tools Russian authorities have adopted to silence critics.
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| Designation means the rights group must stop all work in Russia, and opens those who cooperate with or support the organisation to prosecution |
- Laws on "Foreign Agents" and "Extremism": Authorities also widely use "foreign agent" legislation to target individuals and entities receiving foreign support. Recent years have also seen the Supreme Court outlaw the "international LGBT movement" as "extremist," a move that allows for the prosecution of LGBT people and their supporters.
- International Condemnation: International human rights bodies, including the UN Human Rights Committee and the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, have repeatedly criticized Russia's "undesirable" and "foreign agent" laws and urged for their repeal.
Why This Matters Now
The designation of a major, internationally respected organization like Human Rights Watch as "undesirable" marks a significant moment.
- A Closing Civic Space: This action signifies a near-total closure of independent civic space in Russia. By targeting an organization with the global stature of HRW, the government demonstrates its refusal to tolerate any form of external scrutiny.
- Silencing War Crimes Documentation: HRW has been a key documenter of potential war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. The ban can be seen as a direct effort to obstruct these investigations and silence those who hold the government accountable.
- Risk for Ordinary Citizens: The decision puts any Russian citizen in danger for even minimal interaction with HRW's research or publications, creating a chilling effect and depriving people of vital information.