CPJ, partners condemn Russia’s labeling of IWMF as ‘undesirable organization’ 

Washington, D.C., April 2, 2026— The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and partners in the Journalist Assistance Network (JAN) condemn Russia’s unabashed attempt to silence independent journalism and the civil society that supports their critical work by designating the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) an “undesirable organization.” 

In response, the JAN issued the following statement in support of the IWMF, a member of the network:

“This tactic is a blatant effort to intimidate both independent journalists and civil society, and to sever the solidarity that sustains reporters who continue to work under growing threat in Russia. By targeting a nonprofit organization that helps protect and amplify journalists’ voices, the Russian government is making clear its persistent contempt for press freedom and human rights. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues at the IWMF and call on the Russian government to reverse this designation.”

Organizations labeled as “undesirable” are banned from operating in Russia. Anyone who participates in or works to organize the activities of such organizations faces up to six years in prison. Distributing the organizations’ content or donating to them may also result in administrative and criminal penalties. The IWMF said in a statement that the Russian government issued the classification in January, though the IWMF was not informed of the reasons behind the designation.

The Journalist Assistance Network is a collaboration between five U.S.-based press freedom organizations specializing in digital safety, physical safety, and legal rights, and includes CPJ, the IWMF, Freedom of the Press Foundation, PEN America, and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. 
CPJ has documented how this same classification has been used to attack and intimidate journalists and media outlets reporting on Russia.