Netherlands Helsinki Committee

The committee is promoting human rights in the countries of Europe and Centarl Asia and monitoring its fulfillment. In some countries, the committee is holding programs on development of judicial and penitentiary system with humane conditions, on supporting minorities and on providing access to justice for victims of discrimination. The organization also has education programs for state employees and human rights defenders.

In 2022, the committee was one of human rights organizations that demanded to suspend Russia’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council due to the invasion into Ukraine, and to establish the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia. In 2023, the committee condemned the liquidation of the Moscow Helsinki group and demanded that Russian authorities stop their repressions against human rights defenders.

Name

Field of activity

Human rights organizations with a wide range of causes

Status

“Undesirable organization”

Reason for recognition

The reason for the inclusion is unknown.

Year of recognition

2025

Status description

Since 2015, this status can be assigned to foreign and international non-governmental organizations that, in the opinion of the Russian government, pose a threat to the foundations of the constitutional order of the Russian Federation, the defense capability of the country, or state security. Since 2021, this registry also includes those who cooperate with “undesirable organizations.” Who recognizes: Prosecutor General’s Office in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cooperating organizations are entered into the register by the Prosecutor General’s Office independently. Restrictions: Recognition of an organization as “undesirable” entails a complete ban on its activities in Russia. Russian citizens and Russian legal entities are not allowed to cooperate with it either on or off the territory of Russia. A website that distributes information materials of an “undesirable organization” may be blocked. Formally, there is no administrative or criminal responsibility for this, but law enforcement authorities may interpret it as participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization.” Administrative liability: Participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization,” a fine of up to 100 thousand rubles (Art. 20.33 of the Code of Administrative Offences). Criminal liability: Participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization,” if the person has previously been held administratively liable, a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles or imprisonment for up to four years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities. The organization of such activities faces imprisonment for up to six years. (Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code) Providing funds or raising funds for an “undesirable organization” can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.

Human Rights Activists