Interview: World Vision on Russia's Crackdown on NGOs
The State Duma in Russia last month approved by a majority “sweeping” amendments to Russia’s laws on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that could potentially close down many of the foreign non-profit groups working in the country. The new amendments call for all of Russia’s 450,000 civic groups to re-register next year, leading NGOs to compare the restrictions and tightened control to Soviet times.
An e-mail interview on Dec. 6 was conducted with David Womble, World Vision (WV) Program Manager for the Russian Federation on the cause, implications and impact of the amendments on NGOs and WV in particular.
Were there signs that the Russian parliament would move towards approving these restrictions?
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Yes. There had been rumors for several months that new legislation tightening control over NGOs and civil society would be introduced to the Duma. During a meeting held in Moscow in May 2005 between a representative from the FSB (Federal Security Branch, formerly the KGB) and NGO/UN agencies operating in the North Cauacasus, the FSB representative stated that such legislation was being prepared. Efforts by the UN and NGOs to learn more about the rumored legislation were unsuccessful until news broke some weeks ago.
Are there any background information about the Russian government that are helpful in understanding why they would want to pass restrictions on NGOs?
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia still had a high degree of influence over her satellite republics. Central Asia and Eastern Europe, though independent, affiliated themselves with Russia rather than the West (because of the common language, trading ties, history, etc.). However, especially in recent years, a series of "colored" revolutions have seen popular uprisings against former Soviet era leaders of newly independent states (Orange - Ukraine, Rose - Georgia), with new leaders aligning themselves with the West. Russia has accused western governments of "meddling" in the affairs of Russia's strategic regional neighbors, and influencing popular dissent under the guise of international development programs, such as political party development, promoting a more open press, and developing civil society. In order to avoid any such revolution in its own country, Russia appears to seek tighter restrictions on civil society.
The draft law was given preliminary approval. Do you know what is the next step for the approval of the bill?
According to the U.S. Embassy, the bill has already passed its first reading, and may have a second reading as early as Dec. 8. A third, but relatively insignificant reading (debates and changes are typically made during the first reading), could occur shortly thereafter, after which the bill would be presented to President Putin for approval, amendment, or rejection. We believe that the intent of the Duma and Putin is that the bill be passed and approved before the end of December, to take effect as of January 2006.
What is WV’s response?
WV has written to the ambassadors of the G7 embassies in Russia, as well other European governments, the European Commission in Russia, and major international donors requesting that those governments voice their opposition to the bill in its current form.
How will it affect WV?
Like virtually all international NGOs working in Russia, WV [in Russia] is registered as a representative office of World Vision International. The bill would prohibit the existence of representative offices and would require each international organization to re-register as a local public association. Further, only local Russians and foreigners with "permanent residency status" would be permitted membership. Permanent residency status is a complex and costly procedure that can only be initiated after one year of continuous residency in country. The majority of expatriates working in Russia do not have this status.
What are WV’s plans at the moment?
Continue pressing western governments to oppose the bill. The NGO community has minimal or no influence over the Russian Government. However, the other members of the G8 do, and given the fact that Russia is scheduled to chair the G8 in 2006, those governments should question Russia's suitability to lead the G8 given her apparent backslide from democracy outlined in the proposed bill.
We also ask that that people pray for the government of Russia, including President Putin, that they would reconsider this legislation. While WV feels that the impetus for this legislation is really focused more on governance and human rights organizations, the bill does not differentiate between those NGOs and others involved in pure humanitarian assistance efforts, such as what WV is doing in the North Caucasus and in the field of HIV/AIDS, none of which has any political motive whatsoever.
