The following is a letter from Daria Egereva (Selkup), an Indigenous rights and environmental defender from Russia, who has been imprisoned since December 17, 2025, to her colleagues attending the the UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, Turkey. Egereva has served as Co-Chair of the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) since 2023.
My beloved sisters and brothers!
I am so sorry that I cannot be there with you today to begin our Caucus, to embrace you all, and to help prepare our annual statement. I am truly sorry, but please, do not be sad. First of all, Antalya is one of my favorite places on Earth—I have known such great happiness there—and we shouldn’t bring sorrow to a land that holds my love. And secondly—most importantly—please remember who you are, and why I am not by your side. I may not be there physically, but believe me, I am with you in spirit. I can see Stefan setting up the equipment, Elena answering a barrage of questions, and Andrei raising his hand—leading us all to reach a consensus. I am right there with you!
I do not view my arrest as something directed solely at me as an individual. My voice is our collective voice—that is being put on trial within the UN arena; those statements we crafted for the "people in suits"—those two minutes that resonated so powerfully they brought tears to people’s eyes, as if they were trying to clear a speck of dust from their vision.
I am not alone in my cell. Our past is here with me, washing over me once again like a tsunami—and, alas, so is our present, which feels all too familiar for all of us. Throughout these endless court proceedings, I always speak of you—I talk about the climate change forum, and I even mention that you ensured I still have a voice, even here, within these glass-walled enclosures. Even in handcuffs, I feel your presence so strongly—it is as if you are standing right behind me, just as you always have. I know that whatever happens next, I am not alone. This is your struggle, too—so please, never give up. Never.
I love you beyond measure, and I know that life has gifted me the immense joy of being with you and growing alongside you. I will always remember what it means to be a representative of Indigenous Peoples, even in the 21st century. With all my love! Stay strong—I’m very proud of you all! Have a great COP, and may it conclude with successful results!
Daria Egereva
