The Russian government has recently included our foundation into the list of "Foreign Agents" which means that the organization becomes very vulnerable in terms of its finances. While we continue to fight this decision and relevant fines in courts, this microproject will allow ARF to continue it's life-saving services for people who use drugs in Moscow by creating a financial safety net.
ARF is committed to providing life-saving services to people who inject drugs, even in most challenging political circumstances, such as modern day Russia. Just recently, our organization, along with other 5 AIDS service NGOs in Russia has been included into the list of "Foreign Agents". Some of the NGOs that have been included in this list have already shut down their services and some have started the liquidation process, some are considering it. The main risks for us are potential large fines
All ARF funding is targeted, meaning that all our donations are made with a specific purpose (eg to support harm reduction services, purchase of condoms etc), therefore in our budgets we don't have a 'contingency' line, that would allow us to pay fines in case they happen (fines for Foreign Agents range from 1500 to 7000 euro). This project would allow creating such line. In this case, should the fines be applied, we will not have to violate the charity laws.
ARF believes that if society cannot protect its most vulnerable members, including drug users, then it cannot protect everyone else. Projects such as ours are aimed at protecting the most vulnerable. ARF helps drug users to protect their rights and to preserve their health, prevent HIV and hepatitis, gain skills to avert overdose and obtain drug treatment, including detox and rehabilitation. As a result, we help drug users restore their faith in humanity and reintegrate themselves into society.
