What happens when mechanisms designed to protect indigenous populations are ignored? The situation of the Merya people, a Finno-Ugric community, offers a start example. Despite the presence of individuals who maintain their ethnic identity and actively work to preserve their culture, language, and history, Meryans are not officially recognized as a distinct group. The authorities of the Russian Federation do not grant them the status of “small-numbered indigenous peoples”, which limits their ability to seek international protection and gain the recognition necessary for their survival.
At a time of intense assimilation into the dominant culture of the Russian Federation, international recognition of indigenous peoples, whether small-numbered of titular, is vital to safeguarding their identity. Non of the rights of Meryans are currently respected. For the perspective of international norms, the lack of official recognition violates their right to cultural identity under Article 27i of the ICCPR, which protects ethnic minorities from being deprived of their culture, language, and community. Furthermore, by disregarding the existence of the Merya people, the authorities act in a discriminatory manner, contrary to Article 26ii of the ICCPR.
The real tragedy, however, is not only the violation of international norms but also the tangible consequences faced by the Merya community. The historical lands of Meryans – the Yaroslavl and Kostroma regions, and surrounding territories – have lost historical and cultural sites crucial for preserving local cultural identity and the ethnic memory of the population. The native language is not being maintained or developed, despite the dedication of activists committed to its study and revival. Merya traditions are frequently appropriated or misrepresented as Russian, skewing public perception and contributing to the erasure of the people. Despite having over a hundred officially registered Meryans, and even more who identify as Meryan, they remain without official recognition, leaving them unprotected under domestic and international law.
Our previous work on ethnocide underscores the gravity of cultural erasure; the persistent neglect and disregard toward the Merya people represent a clear case of ongoing ethnocide, with profound consequences for the survival of their language, traditions, and identity.
Despite the lack of official recognition and the refusal of the Russian Federation to endorse the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)iii, Meryans still have the right to seek international protection. Under ILO Convention No. 169iv, Article 1(2)v, those who self-identify as indigenous are entitled to seek protection and remedies under the UNDG Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues, as well as to claim rights violations under UNDRIP. Merya people not only identify as indigenous, but also have the necessary factual evidence to support their claim.
International institutions have a responsibility to consider the challenges faced by Meryans and to take action to ensure they receive the tools and support necessary to safeguard and promote their culture and identity. The recognition and protection of the Merya people are not only a matter of law but a moral imperative to prevent the further loss of a distinct and valuable indigenous community.
i International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 27 – In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language.
ii International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 26 – All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property or other status.
iii United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was officially adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 13th 2006. The Russian Federation abstained from the vote under the claim that the convention contradicts national law.
iv Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention 1989 (No.169) - https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/nrmlx_en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C169
v Self-identification as indigenous or tribal shall be regarded as a fundamental criterion for determining the groups to which the provision of this Convention apply.