This article scrutinizes how Russian legislation considers the rights of the indigenous

peoples living in Russian oil production areas, and if there is a need for non-governmental

certification standards in Russia. To do this, the Russian legislation has been compared

with certain requirements of a new eo100tm Standard which seeks to regulate the social

and environmental aspects of the oil and gas industry. The results of the study reveal

that there are many aspects of indigenous peoples’ rights, such as access to information,

possibilities for free, prior and informed consent, and the right to pursue traditional

livelihoods, that Russian legislation does not adequately address. Since quick improvements

in Russian legislation are unlikely, the use of an oil and gas certification system

could help to improve the current situation in areas where the law does not safeguard

the rights of indigenous peoples.