Concern letter regarding the potential closure of the Human Rights House Voronezh

You can read the letter of concern on the right. 

The rent contract for the Human Rights House Voronezh is signed by two independent human rights organisations, the International Youth Human Rights Movement and the Confederation of Free Labor. On 17 and 22 May 2013, the two organisations received information from the Department of Property and Estate Relations of the Voronezh City Administration that their leases had been ceased and that they were to leave the premises. The official reason cited in the local media is that the building shall be used as a youth centre.

The organizations in the Human Rights House Voronezh have been located in the actual premises for over 16 years; The Human Rights House consists of several organisations working to ensure protection of the rights of citizens and the promotion of human rights.

The work of the Human Rights House Voronezh is widely recognised and internationally respected. Members of the house have become renowned experts on human rights issues internationally, especially within the Council of Europe, including its International NGO Conference.

A possible eviction of the Human Rights House Voronezh will not only damage the entire group of organisations sharing the premises but also negatively affect the citizens of Voronezh who are in need of assistance.

The members and partners of the Human Rights House Network urge the Governor of Voronezh to ensure that the Voronezh city district administration cancels the termination of the rent agreements or extends the rent agreement with the International Youth Human Rights Movement and the Confederation of Free Labor. Alternatively, call upon the administration to provide similar facilities in a comparable area of the city, which for the same rent would meet the needs of all members of the Human Rights House Voronezh. Given the particular importance of the work done by the Human Rights House Voronezh in your city, the members and partners of the Human Rights Network, also believe a free rent agreement should be offered to the Human Rights House Voronezh.