An Urgent Appeal to Protect Civil Society

The Charitable Foundation Sphere (CFSphere) is currently facing its most significant challenge since its inception. Following a series of targeted legal manoeuvres, the Russian Ministry of Justice has moved to formally liquidate our organisation. This attempt to dismantle one of the country’s most prominent advocates for LGBT+ rights and broader human rights is not merely a legal dispute; it is a direct assault on the fundamental principles of civil society and the right to associate freely. We are calling on our community, our international partners, and every individual who believes in equality to sign our petition against this forced dissolution.

For over a decade, CFSphere has served as a vital lifeline for those marginalised by systemic prejudice. From providing emergency legal assistance to offering psychological support and fostering community resilience, our work has been defined by a commitment to the dignity of every individual. The move to liquidate the foundation seeks to erase this progress and leave thousands of people without the protection and advocacy they so desperately need.

The Legal Pretext for Liquidation

The grounds cited for the liquidation of CFSphere are as concerning as they are transparently political. The authorities have argued that the foundation’s activities—specifically our work in defending the rights of the LGBT+ community—run contrary to ‘traditional values’ and fall outside the scope of our registered charitable purposes. This interpretation of the law effectively criminalises advocacy for equality and suggests that human rights work is incompatible with the public interest.

We have consistently maintained that our operations are in full compliance with both national and international legal standards. The attempt to shut us down is part of a broader, well-documented trend of restricting the space for independent non-governmental organisations (NGOs). By signing the petition, you are not only supporting CFSphere but also challenging the precedent that any organisation advocating for minority rights can be arbitrarily dissolved by the state.

Why Your Signature Matters

Petitions serve as a powerful tool in the arsenal of digital advocacy. They provide a visible, quantifiable measure of public dissent against injustice. In the case of CFSphere, a strong show of support serves several critical functions:

• International Visibility: A high volume of signatures draws the attention of international human rights bodies and diplomatic missions, increasing the political cost of the liquidation.
• Legal Leverage: Our legal team can present evidence of widespread public support as part of our defence, demonstrating that the foundation’s work is valued by the community it serves.
• Community Solidarity: For those on the front lines of advocacy in Russia, knowing they have global backing provides the moral courage to continue their work in an increasingly hostile environment.

The Human Impact of the Liquidation Ruling

If the liquidation is allowed to proceed, the consequences will be felt far beyond the confines of a courtroom in Saint Petersburg. CFSphere has developed a sophisticated network of support that includes safe housing, legal representation for victims of hate crimes, and educational programmes that counter misinformation. There is no other organisation currently equipped to absorb the volume of cases we handle or to provide the specialised expertise our team has developed over the years.

The removal of CFSphere from the legal landscape would create a vacuum of accountability. Without our monitoring and reporting, many human rights violations would go unnoticed by the international community. The liquidation is designed to silence a voice that has consistently spoken truth to power, and we must not allow that silence to become permanent.

How to Support the Movement

Signing the petition is the first and most crucial step, but the fight for the survival of CFSphere requires a multi-faceted approach. We urge our supporters to take the following actions to ensure our message reaches as many people as possible:

• Share the Petition: Use your social media platforms to spread the word. Personal messages explaining why you support CFSphere can significantly increase engagement.
• Engage with Digital Advocacy: Follow our updates on digital resilience and safe sharing. In restricted environments, how we communicate is as important as what we communicate.
• Donate to Legal Funds: The cost of fighting liquidation in multiple courts is substantial. Financial contributions directly support our legal defence team as they file appeals and navigate the complex judicial system.
• Contact Representatives: If you are outside of Russia, contact your local representatives or human rights ombudsmen to raise awareness of the situation facing Russian civil society.

Our Commitment to the Road Ahead

Despite the looming threat of liquidation, the spirit of CFSphere remains unbroken. We are exploring every available legal avenue, including appeals to higher courts and international tribunals. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that our archives, our community resources, and our support networks remain accessible, regardless of the legal status of the foundation itself.

The history of social change is often defined by moments of crisis. While the authorities may seek to dissolve our legal entity, they cannot dissolve the values of equality, justice, and bravery that CFSphere represents. Your signature on this petition is a declaration that these values are worth fighting for. We stand at a critical juncture for Russian civil society, and the path forward depends on our collective refusal to be silenced. Every name added to the petition strengthens our resolve and reminds the world that human rights are universal, indivisible, and essential for a free society.