Indigenous Rights in the Russian Federation: The Rights Case of Numerically Small Peoples of the Russian North, Siberia, and Far East

There has been very little research on the rights of numerically small peoples of the North, Siberia, and Far East of the Russian Federation. Even though legislation has recently passed that improves their legal rights and notwithstanding the respect for indigenous cultures, the article reveals a considerable gap between general relevant standards of international law and the real situation of these peoples. Ultimate lack of political will and focus on national economic development maintain discriminatory patterns, discourage any real participation of these communities in decisions that affect them, prolong the violations against their land rights and ultimately endanger their survival.