Protect people from persecution

Dear Friends and GlobalGiving Community,

As political repression inside Russia intensifies, thousands of peaceful anti-war activists, journalists, and citizens face immediate risks of arrest, torture, and heavy prison sentences. Over the past six months, through our independent efforts and local support, The Ark (Kovcheg) has worked tirelessly to protect those fleeing persecution.

However, we are sharing this report with an urgent truth: to date, our project on GlobalGiving has received $0 in donations. Everything we have accomplished so far was made possible by pushing our resources to the absolute limit. Without donor support on this platform, we will simply be unable to continue providing emergency shelter and legal defense for people in danger.

Here is what we have achieved so far, the lives at stake, and why your immediate support is critical today.

Despite having zero funding on GlobalGiving, our team managed to deliver critical crisis aid over the last 6 months:

• 1,866 persecuted individuals received free, professional legal consultations.

• 39 people facing imminent arrest or extradition were provided with free emergency shelter in safe locations across Armenia and Europe.

• 530 people received psychological aid (373 individual consultations and 21 support groups).

• 15 activists received official legal support letters for international humanitarian visas and asylum.

• Country & relocation guides: we published practical guides for navigating life in Armenia, Serbia, Germany, Georgia, Brazil, and Paraguay, as well as policy advocacy for EU "grey passports."
  
  

Real Stories: The People We Strive to Save

1. Anna’s Story: escaping extradition  and rejoining her children 
(name changed)

Anna , a mother of several children and activist from Novosibirsk, was put on Russia's wanted list for participating in peaceful anti-war rallies. Facing 3 years in prison, she fled to Armenia, where an extradition warrant threatened to send her back into the hands of Russian authorities.

The Ark stepped in: we provided Yana and her family with emergency housing, legal counsel on navigating extradition threats, and legal representation during her detention. Together with partner organizations like inTransit, we helped her secure a French humanitarian visa. Today, Anna and her children are safe in France.

2. Alexander' Story: safety after police brutality
(name changed)

In Kazan, security forces raided the home of 27-year-old Iskander over anti-war comments online. Officers pinned him to the floor in handcuffs and physically assaulted him before interrogating him on charges of "justifying terrorism."

After escaping Russia, Iskander met in person with The Ark’s emergency response coordinator in his new country of asylum to receive legal guidance and safety protocols.

"I didn't know my legal rights. Talking with The Ark reassured me that I am finally safe," Alexander shared.

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Behind every metric and story of impact are people like you. Our work is funded entirely through community support, turning every donation into tangible protection for those facing immediate danger.

Right now, the need is critical. We are responding to a new wave of criminal prosecutions targetting social media posts and comments. Our legal team is operating at full capacity as urgent requests for help continue to surge.

To keep our lawyers on the ground and ensure no one is left to face these charges alone, we need to raise an additional $5,460 in monthly recurring support. To reach this target, we are looking for 273 new monthly donors.

If you have been waiting for the right moment to stand with us, this is it. Even a small monthly contribution provides the stability we need to take on new cases without delay.

 Join the 273 new supporters helping us bridge this gap! 

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