Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North

RAIPON's goal is to protect Indigenous Peoples’ human rights, defend their legal interests, assist in solving environmental, social, economic, cultural and educational issues and to promote their right to self-governance. RAIPON works with the State Duma and the Government of the Russian Federation regarding legislation related to Indigenous Peoples’ issues. In addition to its status as a Permanent Participant in the Arctic Council, RAIPON participates in other international structures. For example, it has a special consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, as well as an observer status in the Governing Council of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The Association is also an observer to the Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Culture of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and is an active participant in the sessions of the Commission on Human Rights and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

About the Russian Indigenous Peoples Represented in RAIPON

RAIPON represents 40 Indigenous peoples totalling over 250,000 people. The peoples represented in RAIPON live in 60 percent of the whole Russian Federation territory, including the North, Siberia and the Far East.

RAIPON's Indigenous community includes distinctive cultures with a variety of native languages and varied economic activities that are largely based on natural resources.

RAIPON in the Arctic Council

RAIPON collaborates with Arctic States, Working Groups and other Permanent Participants regarding circumpolar relations with regular contributions to Chairmanship work plans. RAIPON has particular interest in social and economic issues, environmental protection, cultural development and education.