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Russian Federation’s Compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Gender-Based Violence & Foreign Agents Law

In 2012, Bill No. 121-FZ, i.e., the Foreign Agents Law, entered into force. The law imposes burdensome requirements on those the state designates as “foreign agents.” 2022 amendments expanded the scope of who qualifies as a “foreign agent.” Consequently, massive numbers of human rights defenders (HRDs), journalists, and other civil society members now face severe restrictions in their activities. As of August 2025, more than 1,000 individuals or organizations are listed as “foreign agents” or “undesirables,” a label reserved for non-domestic entities.

The vagueness of the law’s language and procedures furthers the arbitrary application of the law. Women’s human rights defenders (“WHRDs”) reported the absence of formal procedures to notify those designated as a “foreign agent.” Suggested recommendations relating to the “foreign agent” law and anti-rights policies . . .