Russia has designated the United States–based organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) as “undesirable,” effectively prohibiting the group from operating within its borders.
The Russian government did not disclose the reason for the decision, and HRW which closed its offices in the country in 2022 has yet to respond. The designation means individuals or organisations that collaborate with or donate to HRW now risk prosecution in Russia.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has banned several groups critical of its policies or military conduct. HRW, known for documenting human rights abuses globally, has repeatedly criticised Russia’s actions in Ukraine and accused its forces of committing widespread violations allegations the Kremlin denies.
Other international organisations previously labelled “undesirable” in Russia include Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, Transparency International and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Source: AFP
