Washington, DC - We are deeply troubled by the Russian Government’s decision to designate the National Democratic Institute (NDI) as a so-called “undesirable” foreign organization. We reject the notion that NDI and other international civil society organizations are a threat to Russia. NDI promotes openness and accountability in government, principles Russia should seek to embrace, not exclude or muzzle.

By restricting the work of civil society in Russia, the so-called “undesirables” law encroaches on the right of all Russians to freedom of association. We again call on the Government of Russia to uphold its international obligations and commitments to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to cease restrictions on the work of civil society organizations in Russia.