Moscow Helsinki Group

This MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions will enable Moscow Helsinki Group (MHG) to obtain additional office space in Moscow, thereby providing security and stability for the non-profit. MHG is Russia’s oldest human rights advocacy group, founded in May 1976 by a group of activists to monitor the USSR’s observance of its human rights obligations. Closed down by the authorities during 1982-1989, today MHG continues to play a leading role in the Russian human rights movement, conducting advocacy, publicizing violations, publishing reports, collaborating with a national network of human rights groups, and training human rights activists and government officials.

To strengthen the human rights movement by monitoring human rights in Russia and to continue development of a regional monitoring network (over two years).

In support of a long-term strategy to strengthen the human rights movement in Russia through monitoring human rights and the development of a regional monitoring network (over two years).

In support of regional monitoring, legal assistance clinics, and coalition-building activities (over three years).

To support human rights education for activists from Russia's regions and the production of videotapes on human rights topics (over two years).