Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Mariana Katzarova, the United Nations Special Rapporteur, on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. They discussed the findings of her latest report that details how Russian authorities have severely curtailed the freedoms of association, and peaceful assembly and expression, both online and offline. These measures have suffocated civil society, silenced legitimate speech, and undermined the right to legal defense and a fair trial.
The Special Rapporteur highlighted the ongoing legislative restrictions used to muzzle civil society and punish human rights activists and others for their opposition to Russia's war against Ukraine. They also discussed the important role Russian human rights defenders can play in helping support fundamental rights for all people in Russia. Administrator Power emphasized the ongoing commitment of USAID and the United States to human rights and civil liberties for the Russian people.