Anti-Discrimination Centre ‘Memorial’ continues its podcast series on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The seventh episode of the podcast explores the reality of forced exile for Indigenous activists from Russia. Why are they forced to leave their homelands? What challenges do they face after fleeing persecution? How can they maintain ties with their communities while living abroad? And what support is available to people forced into exile because of political repression and their anti-war stance?

In this episode:

• Taulan Salpagarov — Indigenous rights activist and representative of the Alan people of Karachay and Balkaria
• Amina Akhpasheva — Indigenous rights activist and representative of the Khakas people
• Anastasia Burakova — Human rights lawyer and founder of the Kovcheg project, which supports people forced to leave Russia

Together, they discuss:

• why Indigenous activists are forced into exile;
• political repression and persecution in Russia;
• adapting to life in Europe after displacement;
• support available for refugees and forced migrants;
• the work of the Kovcheg project;
• the risks faced by deserters and people fleeing Russia because of the war;
• changes in asylum and migration policies across Europe;
• preserving Indigenous identity, culture, and connections while living in exile.

Sound design: Ostap Kukhar

The following English version of this podcast was created using AI voice synthesis technology from the original Russian-language episode, with the explicit consent of the speakers.

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The Episode 1 Violations of the environmental rights of the Indigenous peoples of Russia

The Episode 2 Violations of the indigenous peoples’ right to education

The Episode 3 Violations of Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Culture

The Episode 4 Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Their Native Language

The Episode 5 How UN protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, while advocacy work also brings risks to activist

The Episode 6 Militarization and violation of the rights of Indigenous peoples of Russia — how to avoid service in the army