Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) has included the portrait of Liubov Vinogradova to third edition of the “Portraits of Strength” photo exhibition in memory and in celebration of her life dedicated to human rights, and for her crucial role in the early establishment of the Network.

Liubov was a kind, wise, professional and value based person – principled and firm when needed, loyal and generous to the cause and colleagues. Resilient with an optimism and a warmth and smile in her eyes. We could always trust Liubov – in her solidarity and support to people in need and human rights defenders at risk and sharing her competence with others. She was a stayer, instrumental in developing and leading independent institutions and networks working on human rights. We are honoured and grateful for her dedication and friendship; we miss her dearly.

– Maria Dahle, Director of the Human Rights House Foundation

In 1994, Vinogradova played a crucial role in the establishment of the Network of Human Rights Houses, alongside colleagues from the Human Rights House in Oslo and the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Warsaw. From 2001 to 2007, Vinogradova served as Director of the Russian Research Center for Human Rights. 

In her own words: Excerpt from an unpublished 2018 interview with Liubov Vinogradova

Reflecting on the early days of the Russian Research Center for Human Rights and the founding of the Network of Human Rights Houses, Vinogradova had the following to say:

“We were with the Network from the very beginning [since 1994] and we were very proud of it. The Network is a bridge to the international community, allowing us to learn from each other’s experiences and coordinate our efforts. That collaboration was essential for us to better support the people coming to us for help.”

“Our [Russian Research Center for Human Rights] in Moscow was opened in 1992, and we managed to register it in 1994. It was a long and challenging journey to create this space, but we had an exceptional leader, Alexey Smirnov, a former dissident who had endured Soviet jails and labour camps. His energy and determination drove us forward.”

“Back in the late 1980s, many organisations were facing difficulties but remained active. The idea of uniting, of creating a shared space to support each other, was very attractive. It took time, but eventually, we made it a reality.”

“The early years after the collapse of the USSR were so inspiring. We were all filled with hope, confident that democratic and human rights values would quickly take hold. Many of us even believed that our organisations would only be needed temporarily.”

We were optimists. Very naive optimists. It was only later that we realised how much time and effort the situation required. And still requires.

RRCHR labelled as “Foreign Agent” amidst rapid decline in human rights in Russia

In the midst of a deteriorating human rights situation in Russia, the Russian government labelled the Russian Research Centre for Human Rights a “foreign agent” in 2015. In recent years, the situation has declined further. In its 2021 report “Crisis Point in Russia”, HRHF warned that it has never been more difficult or dangerous for human rights defenders and organisations to operate in the Russian Federation. Since then, dozens of organisations and individuals were designated “foreign agents” by Russian authorities. In 2023, the Russian Research Centre for Human Rights, was evicted from its premises. In the same year Human Rights House Foundation was declared an “undesirable organisation” in Russia, reflecting the increasing repression for human rights promotion and protection in Russia.

Remembering Liubov Vinogradova (1952 – 2024)

Following the sudden death of Russian human rights defender Liubov Vinogradova in May, 2024, her colleagues shared their memories of Vinogradova as a remarkable figure with profound integrity and a gentle yet determined spirit. 

Abdullah Duduev, from the Caucasus Initiative Center, also shared: “I was always in awe of Liubov Nikolaevna’s dedication, and her contributions to the Russian [Research] Center for Human Rights were invaluable. Looking back, it is safe to say that she was the driving force behind this oldest human rights organisation in Russia…”

“[Vinogradova]’s intervention was driven by the simplest and most noble reason: she answered the call of her conscience… Despite her gentle, calm, and kind nature, without ever raising her voice — even in moments where others would resort to less verbal forms of discussion — [Vinogradova] could display unyielding, almost stone-like determination. Where her sensitive conscience was concerned, she would not back down. Without changing her tone or using provocative gestures, she stood firm.”

“Moreover, [Vinogradova] had a remarkable gift, which is invaluable in our times: in the most difficult, sometimes seemingly hopeless situations, she could instil optimism in those around her. She wasn’t deluded, she assessed reality soberly, but she never gave up or allowed herself to fall into despair. She knew how to pull herself together and act, without ever revealing what it cost her.”

Russian journalist and human rights defender Zoya Svetova paid tribute to Vinogradova, writing, “Liubov Nikolaevna Vinogradova had a remarkable quality: when you spoke with her, when you were by her side, you felt that evil could be defeated, that evil could retreat. She was so confident in what she was doing, in the fact that the people who came to her for help needed and could be helped, that this confidence in the inevitable victory of good over evil seemed to spread, making one’s heart feel lighter…That is how I will remember Liubov Vinogradova.”

“I interviewed her a couple of months ago; we talked about the return of punitive psychiatry. Despite the alarming information and new cases of politically motivated forced treatment, Liubov Nikolaevna remained optimistic. After speaking with her, it felt like something could be done about this old yet new problem…”

About Portraits of Strength

Women human rights defenders (WHRDs) work to protect and advance freedoms while facing discrimination and stereotypes about their role and participation in society.

HRHF seeks to honour and promote independent women human rights defenders and their work through the “Portraits of Strength: Women Defending Human Rights” photo exhibition and highlight the human rights situation in the countries of the Network of Human Rights Houses.

The exhibition, now in its third edition, shares portraits and stories from WHRDs working on a variety of issues including the documentation of human rights violations and alleged war crimes, rule of law, women’s rights, political prisoners, freedom of expression, and more.

Find out more here.