16:48 August 15, 2003

UNHCR hits at Russia over Chechens in Ingushetia

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on Friday expressed grave concern over Russian pressure on Chechen refugees in Ingushetia to return to war-torn Chechnya or move elsewhere in the region.

Kris Janowski, spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, said the agency had objected to the shuttling around of 200 internally displaced Chechens over the past two weeks and had
informed the Russian mission in Geneva of its worries. The Chechens were evicted "in an unceremonious manner" from the tented Balla camp in Ingushetia, where they had lived for three years after fleeing fighting and mistreatment by Russian soldiers, he said, but were forcibly returned there days later.

Representing around 20 percent of the camp's population, they were not allowed back into their previous accommodation but were instead housed in decrepit buildings. "UNHCR strongly objects to the aggressive and unacceptable manner in which internally displaced persons from the camp were treated," Janowski told reporters, adding this was one of the most serious incidents of Russian pressure on for some time.

Moscow has vowed to dismantle all tent camps in Ingushetia before an October 5 presidential election in Chechnya, a key part of President Vladimir Putin's peace plan for the region. Officials promise adequate housing will be provided to all people returning to Chechnya and say that those opting to stay in Ingushetia will be barred from casting their ballots.

Russian authorities have repeatedly insisted that any return of the estimated 80,000 displaced Chechens from Ingushetia would be voluntary. "The recent eviction challenges the validity of official
statements that all IDPs (internally displaced persons) in Ingushetia may stay until they wish to return in full safety and in dignity," Janowski said.

UNHCR says that for return home to be voluntary, IDPs must be fully informed about the conditions and have viable alternative accommodation in Ingushetia. 

//Reuters//