Russian authorities on Thursdaydesignated the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) as an unfavorable organization, disallowing the HIV treatment and prevention groups activities in the country.The Russian Prosecutor Generals Office implicated EJAF of mostly focusing on the promo of non-traditional sexual relations, Western household models and gender reassignment.
Nevertheless, the organizations primary specified goal is AIDS prevention and control.Russian authorities consider any relationship not between a male and a female as non-traditional.
In 2023, Russias Supreme Court prohibited the so-called LGBT movement.In its declaration, the Prosecutor Generals Office claimed that EJAF harbors negative attitudes towards nations that safeguard traditional spiritual and ethical values.
It likewise implicated EJAF of taking part in a project to vilify Russia since the 2022 intrusion of Ukraine.In our country, the British foundation carefully cooperates with non-profit companies that perform the functions of foreign agents, the Russian police body said.Founded by British pop legend Elton John in 1992, EJAF funds HIV treatment programs in numerous countries.
It also promotes for the LGBTQ+community, which has actually dealt with years of persecution in Russia.EJAF informed The Moscow Times in a declaration that it wasdevastatedby the decision of the Prosecutor Generals Office, highlighting that the undesirable designation would avoid it from offering lifesaving care to people dealing with HIV in Russia.For more than twenty years, we have worked in partnership with federal and non-governmental partners in Russia to provide numerous thousands of individuals with essential HIV services, including screening, treatment and care, the declaration said.At a time when we have the tools and understanding to defeat HIV, it is heartbreaking to be not able to support them, it added.The unfavorable label effectively bans EJAF from operating inside Russia and exposes its staff members and affiliates to prospective prosecution.
Russia has used the unfavorable designation to target independent media, opposition groups and foreign organizations since introducing the law in 2015.
HIV/AIDS remains a major health crisis in Russia, with more than 1 million individuals coping with the infection, including many in the jail system.
Access to treatment is restricted, particularly in backwoods, and authorities have actually done little to fight the stigma surrounding the disease.Russian HIV/AIDS charities previouslytold The Moscow Times that Western sanctions have prevented the circulation of funding from EJAF and other global groups.AFP contributed reporting.