Indigenous Climate Activist Daria Egereva Detained After COP30 Return

Daria Egereva, a representative of the Selkup people—one of Russia's smallest Indigenous groups—has been detained by Russian authorities. The arrest came just days after she returned from COP30, the UN climate change conference held in Belém, Brazil. Her detention has sparked concerns among international Indigenous organisations about the safety of activists engaging in global climate discussions.

Ms. Egereva has long been active in international climate policy. As a technical expert, she has contributed to the UNFCCC's Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples' Platform (LCIPP), helping bridge dialogue between states and Indigenous groups. Her roles have included leadership positions in the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC), with participation in COP28, COP29, and COP30.

Beyond climate work, she has engaged with the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). All her activities have been professional, nonviolent, and conducted through officially recognised channels.

Her detention follows her return from COP30 in December 2025. While no further reports link other Russian Indigenous representatives to similar restrictions, one additional activist was arrested on the same day. International Indigenous Caucuses have now called for her release, stressing the need to protect those involved in peaceful, consultative processes.

The letter advocating for her freedom highlights the importance of upholding trust in international cooperation. It also underscores respect for human dignity, proportionality, and the right to engage in dialogue without fear of reprisal.

Ms. Egereva's case raises questions about the risks faced by Indigenous activists in global forums. Her professional contributions to climate and rights discussions have been widely acknowledged. The call for her release now centres on ensuring that participation in international processes remains free from intimidation.