Geneva, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly condemned the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to label “the international LGBT movement” as “extremist,” a ruling that could result in the banning of LGBT groups and associations in Russia. This decision also raises the risk of criminal charges and imprisonment for members, employees, and individuals engaged with such organizations.

According to United Nations Human Rights office, the Russian Supreme Court upheld a claim by the Ministry of Justice stating that the “international LGBT movement” is engaging in “extremist” activities and “inciting social and religious discord,” in violation of Russia’s Law on Countering Extremism. Under Russian law, an organization designated as extremist is subject to immediate dissolution, and its leaders can face up to 10 years in prison.

The High Commissioner highlighted the grave implications of this ruling, expressing concern that human rights defenders and anyone advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals could be labeled as “extremist.” This label carries severe social and criminal consequences in Russia. Türk emphasized that no one should be imprisoned for human rights work or discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Türk called on the Russian authorities to immediately repeal laws that improperly restrict the work of human rights defenders or discriminate against LGBT people. He urged that the law must uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination, rather than perpetuating inequality and discrimination. The High Commissioner also pointed out the need for reforming laws that prohibit gender-affirming medical and administrative procedures and ban so-called “LGBT propaganda,” which makes it illegal to discuss LGBT issues in Russia under penalty of substantial fines.

Additionally, Türk expressed concern about the broader use of the “extremist” label in Russia to prosecute those perceived as opponents, including politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, and others.