Russia isn't known for its openness to foreign or domestic NGO's, or charities in general. Freedom and political will are bound tight in Russian philanthropy, regardless of intention or cause anyone can be placed in Russia's stranglehold. Human Rights charities bare the brunt of the governments tight fisted rule, leaving many with even more speculation to the level of abuses within the country. Only those with something to hide draw the curtains!
On April 17, 2006 the Duma (Russia's parliament) passed Law #7-FZ On Nonprofit Organizations, a law which regulates the activity of all the NGOs in Russia, some 500,000, including148,000 public policy organizations and 5,000 foreign NGO branches. Headed by the Justice Ministry and the Federal Registration Service. The law has been at the center of scrutiny since it was drafted in 2005, Putin claims the law is needed in the fight against terrorism and money laundering organizations that use NGOs as a cover. However many believe this is just a masquerade for an increasing authoritarian reign, tightening foreign influence and the involvement of certain civil and rights groups.
What does the law mean in the simplest terms?
- Russian NGOs had to re-register with the state, and thus could be refused registration.
- Annual reports must be filed with the authorities for Russian NGOs.
- Inspections can be carried out (which are often systematically target).
- Tighter control over foreign funding for Russian organizations.
- A foreign NGO can be ordered to end a program if it is perceived as a threat to Russian national interest.
The real issues with the law is its lofty wording, which leaves much of it open to the interpretation of the the government official, and leaving NGOs vulnerable. The most vulnerable groups are those working in Chechnya, International Human Rights, Children's Right's, Counter terrorism, Social & Cultural Rights, Health & Human Rights, HIV/AIDS , and International Justice.
The newest victim to Russia's NG law occurred this week when Russia denied an entry visa to Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), preventing him traveling to Moscow to present a critical report.
“The (Russian) foreign ministry knew I was planning to come for a press conference. It cited a changing array of reasons for not issuing me a visa,” Roth told a news conference in Moscow by telephone from New York.
“This is the first time that Human Rights Watch has been refused a visa to Russia since the Soviet Union.”
“It's also the first time that I personally have been refused a visa any place in the world since Nigeria's Sani Abacha did so in 1997,” he said (Russia “denies visa” to U.S. rights campaigner).
HRW, along with other NGO's have joined various rights groups in launching an attack on President Vladimir Putin and his government, for what they state is a deterioration in respect for human rights in Russia. Since Putin's rise to power the heat has only increased for those in the human rights field and policy sector.
HRW's 72 page report “Choking on Bureaucracy: State Curbs on Independent Civil Society Activism”, documents how the NGO law has been used to targeted various NGOs, mostly those working on controversial issues.
“With the new rules, NGOs live under a looming threat of harassment, and this is a serious threat to freedom of expression in Russia.” said Roth
The obvious strategic and almost witch hunt of NGOs in Russia leaves one to question the true democratic nature of a country willing to risk the rights and welfare of its citizens. Only time will tell if the stranglehold will tighten or loosen.
Links and articles:
English Translation of the NGO Law, with Russian version
Russia's NGO Law: An Attack on Freedom and Civil Society
Enforcement of the New NGO Law: A Deeper Look
The Russian NGO Law: Potential Conflicts with International, National, and Foreign Legislation
NGOs fear trouble as law comes into force
Rights Groups Complain Russia Is Stalling Funds
Kommersant – The Council Of Europe Examines The Provisions
Moscow Times – How Russia's NGO Law Stacks Up
U.S. Helsinki Commission hearing on democracy in Russia
U.S. Official Says Law Part Of Antidemocratic Trend
U.S. State Dept. – Concern About Law's Impact on Civil Society
Moscow Times – Putin Quietly Signed NGO Bill Last Week
Russia shuts foreign charity amid tighter NGO scrutiny
