Interfax: Russian HR official denies coercion of Chechen refugees

14:39 MArch 11, 2003

The head of the presidential human rights commission has denied reports that Chechen refugees in Ingushetia are allegedly being denied access to humanitarian aid. Ella Pamfilova made this statement in response to media reports alleging that refugees are not given food if they refuse to submit an application confirming their
participation in a March 23 constitutional referendum in Chechnya.

"According to our information, the situation in the camps is normal. Humanitarian aid is being distributed among the refugees," Pamfilova said on Tuesday. She specified that humanitarian aid distribution centres circulate application forms needed to take part in the referendum. However, no one is denied food if he refuses to vote in the referendum. "The distribution of application forms is a positive sign. This will help organize the voting," she said.

Pamfilova stated that everything possible is being done to ensure that the voting is voluntary. "No one should be forced to vote in the referendum. I am confident that we will not let this happen. This issue is under control," she said.

//Interfax//