# Yan Rachinsky

> Russian public figure, ethnographer and human rights activist

**Wikidata**: [Q55102841](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55102841)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yan_Rachinsky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yan-rachinsky

## Summary
Yan Rachinsky is a Russian public figure, ethnographer, and human rights activist. He is known for his work in human rights advocacy and his association with Memorial, a prominent Russian human rights organization. His contributions include activism and research in ethnography, though specific achievements are not detailed in the provided material.

## Biography
- Born: December 6, 1958, in Moscow
- Nationality: Soviet Union, Russia
- Education: MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics (graduated 1982)
- Known for: Human rights advocacy and ethnographic research
- Employer(s): Memorial
- Field(s): Human rights, ethnography

## Contributions
Yan Rachinsky has worked as a human rights defender and ethnographer, contributing to Memorial, a key organization in Russian human rights activism. His work includes research and advocacy in ethnography, though specific publications or projects are not detailed in the provided material. He has also been recognized with the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. His activism has involved addressing human rights issues, including his classification as a "foreign agent" under Russian law in 2025, which further highlights his role in human rights defense.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Yan Rachinsky known for?
A: Yan Rachinsky is known for his work as a human rights activist and ethnographer, particularly his association with Memorial and his advocacy for human rights in Russia.

### Q: Where did Yan Rachinsky study?
A: He studied at the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, graduating in 1982.

### Q: What awards has Yan Rachinsky received?
A: He has received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

### Q: What is Memorial, and how is Yan Rachinsky connected to it?
A: Memorial is a prominent Russian human rights organization, and Yan Rachinsky has been employed by it.

### Q: Why was Yan Rachinsky classified as a "foreign agent"?
A: He was classified under the Russian foreign agent law in 2025, which designates certain individuals and organizations as "foreign agents."

## Why They Matter
Yan Rachinsky's work as a human rights activist and ethnographer has had a significant impact on the field of human rights in Russia. His association with Memorial, a leading organization in the field, has allowed him to contribute to advocacy efforts and research in ethnography. His classification as a "foreign agent" underscores the challenges faced by human rights defenders in Russia and highlights the importance of his work. His contributions have influenced the broader discourse on human rights and ethnography in the region.

## Notable For
- Human rights defender and ethnographer
- Employed by Memorial, a key Russian human rights organization
- Recipient of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland
- Classified as a "foreign agent" under Russian law in 2025
- Contributed to research and advocacy in ethnography

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Yan Rachinsky was born on December 6, 1958, in Moscow. He completed his education at the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, graduating in 1982.

### Career and Activism
Rachinsky has worked as a human rights activist and ethnographer, primarily associated with Memorial. His work in human rights advocacy has been notable, particularly in addressing issues related to human rights in Russia.

### Awards and Recognition
He has received the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, recognizing his contributions to human rights and ethnography.

### Legal and Political Classification
In 2025, Yan Rachinsky was classified as a "foreign agent" under the Russian foreign agent law, which designates certain individuals and organizations as "foreign agents." This classification reflects the political challenges faced by human rights defenders in Russia.

### Contributions to Ethnography
Rachinsky's work in ethnography includes research and advocacy efforts, though specific publications or projects are not detailed in the provided material. His contributions have been influential in the field of ethnography and human rights.

## References

1. [Source](https://newprospect.ru/news/interview/zhdat-li-bolee-seryeznykh-problem-boyus-chto-da-i-ne-tak-dolgo-yan-rachinskiy-o-napadenii-na-memoria/)
2. IdRef
3. [Source](https://www.kommersant.ru/gallery/4397012)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20230206-links.txt.gz)
6. CiNii Research
7. [В списке новых «иноагентов» оказался сотрудник DW. Deutsche Welle. 2025](https://www.dw.com/ru/v-spiske-novyh-inoagentov-okazalsa-sotrudnik-dw-aleksandr-delfinov/a-72651272)
8. [Минюст признал «иноагентом» правозащитника Яна Рачинского. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2025](https://www.svoboda.org/a/minyust-priznal-inoagentom-pravozaschitnika-yana-rachinskogo/33422498.html)