Decision to close Russia’s oldest human rights organization should be reconsidered and reversed, OSCE Human Rights Office says

WARSAW, 25 January 2023 – Today’s decision by the Moscow City Court to liquidate Russia’s oldest human rights organization, the Moscow Helsinki Group, is contrary to the commitments made by all OSCE countries to respect the freedom to form and join associations, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said.

Ever since its establishment in 1976 to monitor implementation of the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and its human rights and democracy principles, the Moscow Helsinki Group has been active in protecting human rights across the country.

All OSCE states have explicitly acknowledged the importance of freedom of association for democracies, as well as the vital role of civil society to improve respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy.

ODIHR believes that this move further undermines freedom of association in the Russian Federation, and calls on the Russian authorities to reconsider and reverse the decision, while reiterating its offer to assist them in ensuring a safe and enabling space for civil society.