According to information received by OHCHR, on 7 July 2023 the Prosecutor General’s office added the international non-governmental organization Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) to a list of organizations engaged in so-called “undesirable activities,” in accordance with Federal Law No. 129-FZ of 23 May 2015 on undesirable activities of foreign and international non-governmental organizations.43 Allegedly, HRHF’s inclusion in the list was due to its engagement with United Nations bodies and mechanisms. 98. HRHF does not have an office in the Russian Federation, nor does it carry out activities in the country, however, HRHF has conducted public advocacy at the United Nations in Geneva on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation. HRHF had a leading role in a civil society campaign calling for the Human Rights Council to formally address the human rights situation in Russia, including through establishment of a mandate of a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country. This designation has reportedly jeopardized its collaboration with human rights defenders and organizations in Russia, including in connection to advocacy at and engagement with the United Nations.

Russian nationals who participate in HRHF activities or that receive funding from HRHF may face criminal liability under the applicable law. 99. During the reporting period, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Russian Federation reported on the designation of HRHF as an “undesirable organization” along with several other international non-governmental organizations. An organization declared “undesirable” faces severe consequences, including a complete ban on operations in the Russian Federation. Russian citizens are prohibited from receiving funding from an “undesirable organization”. (A/HRC/54/54, paras. 27, 29–30). The Special Rapporteur also addressed Federal Law No. 129-FZ (2015) on undesirable activities of foreign and international non-governmental organizations (See Annex II) noting that it makes it a crime “to participate” in any activity of an “undesirable” organization, whether the organization is located in the Russian Federation or overseas. She stated that the law prohibits Russian nationals from receiving funding from or disseminating information of an “undesirable” organization and that as at 31 July 2023, there were at least 103 organizations declared as “undesirable”. The law does not specify what constitutes “participation” .