Chechen refugees in Czech camps uneasy about children

The Chechen refugees living in a camp for involuntary displaced persons "Vishniye Lgoty" nearby Ostrava, are concerned about their children's health condition told the Chechen refugees in their Monday interview with the Caucasus Times agency.

According to the residents of the camp they have already heard about a declaration of Chechen human rights organizations addressed to the Czech authorities on alleged human rights violations in the camp. The camp residents said most of the facts, given in the declaration, were not in accordance with the reality.

The refugees noted they did not ever have any problems with communication facilities and were not restrained to move on the camp territory. Actually, all of them have mobile phones so they might get in touch with their relatives. On arrival to the camp the refugees are being checked up and as required receive appropriate medical treatment.

However, as it was revealed in the interview the Chechen residents are really concerned about their children who do have some health problems.

There are reportedly many families among the refugees from Chechnya in the camp who have infants requiring the special diet. The children, who need dairy products and meal are not always sufficient that have already resulted in malnutrition problems.

Besides, the refugees added if infants get ill and delivered to the nearby hospitals for treatment the parents will not be allowed to see their children or get any information about the kids' health condition.

Refugees are reluctant to speak frankly since the truth is not followed by changes.

The camp for enforced settlers "Vishniye Lgoty" is located twenty kilometers from the Czech and Slovakia border and 450 kms from Prague.

Beside the Chechen refugees there are lots of other people who arrive regularly to the camp from the former Soviet Union republics to find shelter and assistance.

As for now the camp is closed both for the visitors and for displaced persons.

Islam Tekushev, Prague Caucasus Times