Defeat of Chechnya resolution disappointing

UN Commission on Human Rights: Defeat of Chechnya resolution extremely disappointing

For the second year in a row a draft resolution on the Chechen Republic has been defeated in a major blow to the protection of human rights in the Russian Federation, Amnesty International said.

"Human rights abuses continue to take place on a daily basis in Chechnya. The Commission's lack of action on this situation is a blatant disregard of the suffering of the victims of such abuses and their relatives, and the risks to which civilians continue to be exposed."

Chechen civilians continue to "disappear" during raids by Russian troops on villages, many have later been found in mass graves. Camps for internally displaced persons have been closed by the Russian authorities, leaving thousands in neighbouring republics to their own resources to find alternative shelter, while others have reportedly been forced to return against their will to conditions which are not safe. Chechen fighters also commit serious human rights abuses, including against members of the pro-Moscow administration.

"The Commission on human rights is the main United Nations' body responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights wherever they occur, including in the Chechen Republic. We are profoundly disappointed that in choosing to remain silent for the second year in a row the Commission has failed to address the well documented violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Chechnya," the organization concluded.

View all documents on the Russian Federation http://click.topica.com/maaa0BmaaXsxCbb0hPub/ Amnesty International's campaign for Human Rights in Russia http://click.topica.com/maaa0BmaaXsxDbb0hPub/

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