Russia has formed the National Human Rights Committee (NPK), an autonomous non-profit organization aimed at protecting the rights of Russian citizens and fostering collaboration with human rights institutions in BRICS member states. Alexander Ionov, NPK Chairman and member of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, announced the initiative during a press conference at TASS.
“NPK was created to operate within Russia but is also set to become part of a larger international human rights organization under BRICS. It will be a founding member of this structure, which will include numerous human rights advocates and public figures,” Ionov stated. He added that the organization plans to launch a website in January next year, where its members and activities will be detailed. NPK also aims to secure observer status at the United Nations.
Ionov highlighted the committee’s commitment to monitoring human rights conditions globally. “This role was previously dominated by international organizations aligned with their funders’ interests. Our goal is to remain apolitical and conduct independent assessments of human rights issues,” he emphasized.
The committee will also focus on assisting Russian citizens detained abroad on what Ionov described as dubious charges. He cited instances where secret international arrest warrants issued by the U.S. have led to Russians being detained in third countries with U.S. cooperation agreements. “Our task is to provide comprehensive support, including drawing attention to such cases, working with the media, collaborating with the Russian Foreign Ministry for consular aid, securing legal representation, and maintaining contact with detainees' families,” Ionov explained.
Georgy Volkov, Chairman of Moscow’s Public Monitoring Commission, noted that NPK would actively collaborate with regional observers, the Public Chamber, and advisory councils under Russia’s Interior Ministry and Federal Penitentiary Service to safeguard the rights of individuals in custody.
NPK will also support the integration of Donbas and Novorossiya into Russia’s legal framework. “We have established public reception offices in these regions to assist with issues such as obtaining Russian citizenship, accessing social benefits, starting businesses, and navigating interactions with government bodies,” Ionov added.
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Based on TASS materials