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Following the breakdown of the
former Communist block Chechnya declared independence from the Soviet Union in
1991. In 1994, Russia intervened to preserve its sovereignty over the region.
The fighting resulted in about 100,000 killed, many of whom civilians (HRW).
The ongoing conflict resulted in killings, disappearances, torture and
detainments of a large portion of the male population. Detainments occurred on
a regular basis with some being ransomed and a small percentage disappearing or
later being found in mass graves. In 2002 and early this year, Moscow began a
process of dismantling the Chechen refugee camps in Ingushetia, forcing the
refugees to move or return to Chechnya in harsh winter conditions. Recently,
more subtle ways have been employed. Since June, there have been cases of
looting, arbitrary detentions and ill-treatment during “sweep” operations
conducted by the Russian military in the camps in Ingushetia. Although not as
severe as the ones seen before in Chechnya, the procedures pose a threat to the
relative security outside the Chechen borders. On the Chechen side,
terrorist attacks and hostage taking by Chechens of Russian civilians has
increased in late 2002, early 2003. (RFE/RL,
www.rferl.org/newsline/1-rus.asp). Moscow’s willingness to conduct a
referendum and provide greater autonomy has not resulted in peace yet, both
sides holding the other responsible. The suicide attacks can invoke massive
Russian retaliation. In addition, the upcoming elections for a Chechen
President, coupled with increased mobility of the troops due to clement
weather, may lead to renewed escalation of books.
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| Evidence of Abuse and Danger |
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Rape (Amnesty International; Human Rights Watch)
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Mass graves, not reported in the last months (Relief Web; HRW)
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Disappearances and arbitrary arrests of Chechens, not reported
on a massive scale in the last months (Newsweek, Russia Journal)
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Dismantling of camps, not occurring in 2003 ( Relief Web; The
Moscow Times)
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Suicide attacks and kidnappings of civilians by Chechens
(Rossiski Informational Centre, Novinite, MSNBC)
| Field Contacts Verification |
- International media
- Embassies
- International Human Rights NGOs
- International Relief NGOs
- National Organizations
- Local Organizations
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International Contacts:
United States Contacts:
Foreign Ministries:
Embassy of the Netherlands
Embassy of
Pakistan
Embassy of Belgium
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Embassy of Finland
Embassy of the United
Kingdom
Embassy of Denmark
Embassy of
Norway
Embassy of Canada
Embassy of Sweden
Embassy of European Union
Embassy of
France
Embassy of Russia
Included are UN ambassadors from these countries
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Non-Governmental Organizations / Other:
The Washington Post
Washington Times
LA Times
Chicago Tribune
New York Times
BBC
CNN
Reuters
Associated Press
United Press International
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BBC
Chechnya In Depth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/europe/2000/chechnya/default.stm
PRIMA NEWS
Russian soldiers raid houses for alcohol and abduct people
June 04, 2003
http://www.prima-news.ru/eng/dosier/?country=124&search.x=1
BBC NEWS
Suicide bomber’ hits Caucasus bus
June 05, 2003
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2964644.stm
PRIMA NEWS
Shamil Basaev begins operation “Boomerang”
May 26, 2003
http://www.prima-news.ru/eng/news/news/2003/5/26/24631.html
BBC
Chechnya ‘backs new constitution
March 24, 2003
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2879383.stm
PRIMA NEWS
Chechen refugee camps raided in Ingushetia
November 27, 2002
http://www.prima-news.ru/eng/news/news/2002/11/27/21799.html
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