The Public Chamber of Russia hosted a videoconference “Massive Violation of the Rights of Russian Compatriots Abroad on the Grounds of Citizenship, Nationality and Language: How to Counteract This”.
The videoconference was attended by compatriots from all over the world - South Ossetia, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Abkhazia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and others.
At the beginning of the event, the representative of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Maxim Grigoriev has noted that violations against compatriots continue and, indeed, are of a massive nature.
“In many cases, we know that the states of those countries where our compatriots live are behind this, in many respects these violations are egregious,” he said.
Grigoriev drew attention to the fact that compatriots are harassed, attacked, some are fired from their jobs without reason, banks refuse to provide their services to them, close accounts, etc.
“These actions are illegal, this is a direct violation of human rights,” Grigoriev said.
Further Executive Director, Chief of Staff of the Association of Lawyers of Russia Elena Spiridonova spoke about the organization of the international humanitarian project "For the Rights of Compatriots".
“We purposefully do not politicize it, including so that our Internet resources are not blocked-in other countries. The project is organized by the Association of Lawyers together with the corporation "Synergy", - she specified.
Spiridonova noted that the project was supported by the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Fund for Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots.
“Our website has a feedback form, you apply there by describing your legal problem related to discrimination,” continued Spiridonova. “In addition to the legal hotline, which operates around the clock, a psychological help line is open.”
According to her, the project was launched 10 days ago.
“During this time, dozens of various applications have been received, most of which tell us about the facts of discrimination. There are a number of appeals from, lawyers from other countries who are ready to help us, for which we are grateful to them,” Spiridonova said.
The Chief of Staff of the Association of Lawyers of Russia stressed that the creation of an alternative court for human rights is in the process of development.
“We have already applied to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Russian Foreign Ministry, raised the issue, together with the Commissioner for Human Rights in Russia, Tatyana Moskalkova, on the creation of an alternative human rights court, possibly on the basis of the EAEU, or other states that want to join such a possible agreement,” - she added.
Svetlana Kotaeva, Chairwoman of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots in South Ossetia, in turn, believes that the rights of compatriots are mainly violated in the Far Abroad and Central Asia.
“This event is aimed at protecting the rights and legitimate interests of compatriots, we need to seek justice. They found themselves in a very difficult situation, I would like to hope that the worst will be left behind, and they will no longer experience discrimination,” she added.
