Status of Closure of Camps for Persons Displaced from Chechnya

Answer: We welcome Russia's repeated assurances that persons displaced from Chechyna would not be forced to return there against their will. We also regard as a positive development President Putin's agreement to allow a public commission to review options for internally displaced persons living in Ingushetia before taking action.

We note that the United Nations does not regard as voluntary the return of more than 500 internally displaced persons after a camp was closed on December 2 due to pressure from the authorities. We also have concerns about the adequacy of alternative living arrangements for those who leave camps that are closed down. We will continue to work with others in the international community to monitor the situation and make our views known to Moscow.

Returning to Chechnya for those who have sought safe haven in other parts of Russia must be voluntary and without pressure or coercion. Internally displaced persons’ concerns about the lack of safety in Chechnya remain a major obstacle to their voluntary return. Those who do not wish to return to Chechnya must have a viable option to stay in Ingushetia.