⚠️ SIGNATURE COLLECTION IN PROGRESS ⚠️

On the Urgent Implementation of PACE Resolution 2621 (2025) and the Establishment of a Dialogue Platform for the Indigenous, Repressed, and Colonized Peoples of the Russian Federation
This appeal has been prepared by the Free Nations Group with the support of the United Force movement, which is engaged in promoting the implementation of PACE Resolution 2621 (2025) and the establishment of a Dialogue Platform for the indigenous, repressed, and colonized peoples of the Russian Federation.
Dear Madam President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
Dear Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
We are writing to you regarding the implementation of the provisions of PACE Resolution 2621 (2025), which envisage the establishment of a Dialogue Platform with representatives of the indigenous, repressed, and colonized peoples of the Russian Federation.
We regard this decision of PACE as an event of historic significance. It is highly appreciated by representatives of our peoples and gives hope that the international community is willing to hear their voices directly, without intermediaries.
The establishment of such a Dialogue Platform is of particular importance. At present, organizations and initiatives that seek international recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination and the implementation of the principles enshrined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), «Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples,» remain insufficiently represented within the Platform of Russian Democratic Forces.
PACE has already recognized the necessity of dialogue with indigenous and colonized peoples through Resolution 2621 (2025). However, in practice, a number of organizations and movements have yet to be provided with a dedicated platform through which they can participate in this dialogue.
We understand that the implementation of such initiatives requires time, expert preparation, and organizational effort. Nevertheless, the timely establishment of the Dialogue Platform is of particular importance in ensuring the representation of diverse perspectives and approaches.
At present, Russian imperial narratives are increasingly being projected into the international arena, where issues of independence, self-determination, and the agency of the peoples of the Russian Federation are often portrayed as illegitimate, extremist, separatist, or as threats to democratic order. In particular, there is a growing tendency to interpret the principle of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation as an absolute basis for denying the right of peoples to self-determination, despite the fact that international law regards territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination as interconnected principles. Furthermore, the principle of territorial integrity is intended to protect states against external aggression and does not preclude the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination through peaceful and democratic means. Such interpretations hinder meaningful discussion of decolonization and unnecessarily restrict the range of approaches available for addressing this issue.
As a result, decolonization is increasingly reduced to a purely cultural process focused on language preservation, historical memory, and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, questions concerning the representation of peoples and the realization of their right to self-determination remain largely absent from international discussions. Such an approach risks discrediting decolonization as a process of overcoming colonial legacies and reducing it to a series of limited cultural reforms.
In our view, the creation of a separate dialogue platform would ensure a broader range of perspectives and provide an opportunity to be heard for those organizations and movements that advocate international recognition of the right of peoples to self-determination.
In this regard, we call upon you to facilitate the urgent implementation of the provisions of PACE Resolution 2621 (2025) concerning the establishment of a Dialogue Platform with representatives of the indigenous, repressed, and colonized peoples of the Russian Federation, and to ensure the inclusion of relevant organizations and initiatives in the consultation process.
We are convinced that the establishment of such a platform will enable PACE to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the views and aspirations of the peoples living within the territory of the Russian Federation and will contribute to the development of an inclusive and meaningful dialogue based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and international law.
We remain hopeful for constructive cooperation.
Signatories:
Andrius Almanis — Institute of Post-Russia Regions
Vyacheslav Bodrov — Heimkehr Bürgerinitiative / Russian Germans for Peace
Ibrahim Yaganov — Free Circassia Movement / Caucasus Union
Stanislav Suslov — Committee of the Independent Confederation of Siberia
Djamboulat Souleimanov — Chechen National Liberation Movement “United Force”
Denis Ugriumov — Socio-political movement “Free Ingria”. Coordinator
Djabrail Mirzoev — Dagestan National Center
Dmitri Kuznetsov — Stop the Occupation of Karelia
Dr. Maria Ochir — Kalmyk Oirad Congress / Voices of Nations
Marat Akhmerov — Deputy Prime Minister for Legal and Legislative Affairs of the Government of Independent Tatarstan in Exile
Fatima Souleimanova — Chechen National Liberation Movement “United Force”