51茶馆

Mr Chair,

We have previously expressed our deep concerns about Russia鈥檚 legislation on so-called 鈥渦ndesirable organisations鈥� and 鈥渇oreign agents鈥�, which negatively impacts the work of civil society organisations in Russia. This legislation is being used to shrink the space for independent civil society in Russia.

The Russian authorities鈥� recent designation of non-governmental organisations as 鈥渦ndesirable鈥�, including the designations on 30 June of the Future of Russia Foundation; the Khodorkovsky Foundation; the Oxford Russia Fund, and European Choice is unjustifiable and disregards the fundamental freedoms and human rights of Russian citizens.

They are actions which run counter to Russia鈥檚 international human rights commitments, including under the OSCE鈥檚 human dimension.

As OSCE participating States, we have collectively agreed on the important role played by civil society in helping us implement our OSCE agreements and commitments.

For example, in we recognised that the active involvement of such organisations helps to ensure continued progress against our human dimension commitments.

In , we confirmed our pledge to 鈥渆nhance the ability of NGOs to make their full contribution to the further development of civil society and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms鈥�, and in we pledged to support and help strengthen civil society organisations.

The current actions by Russian authorities are not in line with those agreements. They do not promote a safe and open environment for NGOs鈥� activities and enable their continued growth.

We therefore urge, again, the Russian authorities to reverse these designations, to support the promotion of people-to-people contacts to the benefit of Russian citizens, and to take all measures necessary to fulfil their obligations under the OSCE鈥檚 human dimension and other international human rights commitments.