20 years safeguarding human rights: the Civic Chamber of Russia outlined its plans and achievements

---

The development of civil society institutions and their role in protecting human rights, strengthening traditional values and ensuring dialogue between society and the authorities were the focus of the key plenary session "Institutions of Civil Society: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the "Community" forum marking the 20th anniversary of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation. The session brought together experts, representatives of government bodies and public organisations.

Chief of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects Sergei Novikov spoke about the Civic Chamber’s work over the past 20 years.

"The Civic Chamber has existed for 20 years, and many of the results of its work have become part of our everyday lives. We no longer even remember that they originated from the Chamber and simply use them as benefits. As the President said in his address, it is one of the most important institutions of organised civil society. I would like to remind you that the first composition of the Chamber introduced the topic of human rights in detention facilities into the public agenda and created a unique institution — the public monitoring commissions. There is no equivalent institution anywhere else in the world, while in Russia civic activists can visit correctional facilities in their regions at any time to observe the conditions of detainees," said Sergei Novikov.

Presidential Aide Valery Fadeyev recalled the history of the Chamber’s creation, noting that the idea arose after the terrorist attack in Beslan.

"In this context, a political reform was proposed to strengthen the socio-political system and consolidate the state — understood broadly, not only as executive and legislative power. A key element was the creation of the Civic Chamber — an institution intended to contribute to the country’s cohesion. At that time, the President demonstrated a deep understanding of how the state functions, what civil society is, and what power and energy it possesses — and how to channel that energy into a constructive and creative direction," said Valery Fadeyev.

He explained that the Civic Chamber was entrusted with an extensive range of tasks, and over the past 20 years many of them have been successfully fulfilled. The draft law establishing the Civic Chamber was carefully prepared — dozens of discussions were held across the country, in Moscow and the regions. Therefore, according to the Presidential Aide, the law turned out to be strong and well-crafted. He believes that the Civic Chamber continues its work thanks to the active and energetic representatives of Russian civil society.

Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Tatyana Moskalkova noted that over 20 years the Civic Chamber has brought significant change to public life, becoming an integral part of the human rights protection system.

"The most important thing is to hear society’s demand. Only when the state responds to that demand can it build legislation that truly works and develop law enforcement practices that are relevant and effective. Over the years, a system of public monitoring has been established to oversee even the most sensitive areas of social and political life, including closed institutions. Together with the Civic Chamber, we have built a new election monitoring system — and this, of course, has strengthened legitimacy," said Tatyana Moskalkova.

According to her, numerous educational and awareness-raising events are held in cooperation with the Civic Chamber. Particular attention should be given to protecting human rights in the context of digitalisation and ensuring equal access to technology for everyone, including residents of rural and remote areas. It is also important to develop legal education and promote traditional values, where the main guiding principles remain the family and the defence of the Fatherland, the Commissioner added.

A video greeting was also delivered by Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. She noted that over the years the Civic Chamber has become a respected platform for open and honest dialogue between society and the authorities. She praised the experts, professionals and compassionate individuals working towards systemic change and decisions that matter to people.

"Today, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights focuses on supporting families, including those facing difficult life circumstances, so that children can live with their parents rather than in institutions. It is essential that many public and charitable organisations, NGOs and businesses take part in our work to create a comprehensive and effective family support system. Together, we are developing day-care centres for parents raising children with disabilities and opening spaces across the country for teenagers, where they receive career guidance and engage in meaningful activities," said Maria Lvova-Belova.

The "Community" forum is held at the National Centre RUSSIA from 31 October to 1 November. As is tradition, it will present the annual Report of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation on the State of Civil Society, which this year reflects on the Chamber’s 20-year evolution as one of the key institutions ensuring interaction between society and the authorities. The final version of the report will be submitted to President of Russia Vladimir Putin.