Why does COBORD focus specifically on the CIS countries and the Global South?
We prioritize regions with developing animal rights movements, as activists in these areas most frequently face geographical and cultural isolation backed by severe political, social and economic issues. Our goal is to overcome these boundaries and create a truly global support network, fostering engagement across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the CIS.
What specific difficulties do activists face in these countries?
Working in these regions presents unique challenges:
Hostile Environments: Activists are often forced to operate under unfavorable social and political conditions.
Lack of Resources: Local groups frequently have extremely limited access to funding, expert information, and advocacy tools.
Isolation: Independent activists and groups require an international support network to multiply the impact of their work.
What specific challenges do your programs help address?
We focus on supporting those working in complex socio-political conditions, including:
For Local Groups: Overcoming resource shortages and the lack of necessary infrastructure.
For Relocants: Facilitating adaptation and integration into a new environment so activists can effectively continue their work outside their home countries.
For Independent Activists: Providing access to international expertise aiming to boost the efficiency of their efforts.
What makes your support for relocants unique?
We are more than just a "community of interest". We help relocated activists adapt and integrate into their new environment by providing an expert network and the resources necessary to continue their mission abroad.
Why do we believe that the assistance in these regions is effective?
Our commitment to Effective Altruism moves us to choose directions with the highest potential for impact. The Global South and CIS regions offer the following factors:
Scale of the Problem: These regions house vast numbers of farmed animals, who are the most massively oppressed sentient beings on the planet.
Growth Potential: Even small investments and the transfer of expertise can lead to significant systemic changes where the movement is just being born or evolves on the early stages of living.
Global Influence: We believe that the promotion of veganism and animal rights must take place on a global level, rather than being restricted to the developed regions of the world.
What role does the French association play?
Our legal status as an association in France allows COBORD to serve as a reliable international platform for exchanging expert knowledge, experience and resources. We act as a bridge between international experts from countries with advanced animal rights cultures and activists in regions where the movement is still gaining momentum.
Who is behind the creation of COBORD?
The association was founded by experienced movement leaders: Yuri Koretskikh, who led Russia’s largest animal rights organization, the Alliance for Animals, for over 10 years, and Oleg Ozerov, Vice President of Vegan Georgia. Their personal experience, including forced emigration and international work, allows COBORD to deeply understand the needs of activists in challenging environments.