EuropaWorld 16/3/200 Russia Again Censured For Failing to Act Over Human Rights Abuse in Chechnya

The misery of Chechnya grinds on, demonstrated by yet more expressions of concern at the reported abuses of human rights committed by both sides. Despite President Putin's protestations, Russia shows little inclination to live up to its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe, while the Chechen fighters still continue with a campaign that involves murder, kidnapping, hostage taking and other human rights violations.

In a report on the Russian republic released at the end of last week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, called for steps "to prevent unexplained disappearances and killings, and to combat corruption, abuses and harassment at checkpoints."

Still Waiting For A 'Credible Response'
Mrs. Robinson stressed the importance of a "credible response from the Russian authorities commensurate with the scale of the allegations of serious rights abuses." She noted that while the Russians had put in place a number of constructive mechanisms, none possessed the attributes which would normally be associated with the kind of wide-ranging, independent inquiry needed to address prevailing concerns.

'Major Gap' Between Allegations and Prosecutions
She suggested that there was still a "major gap" between the large number of complaints submitted to various government bodies and the relatively small number of court proceedings. "All allegations of human rights abuses should be investigated in accordance with international human rights standards and appropriate action taken," she said, "serious human rights violations should not be allowed to go unpunished and/or uncompensated."

The report also points to continuing human rights violations carried out by Chechen fighters. Mrs. Robinson has urged those responsible to cease such attacks, including kidnapping and hostage taking, and to observe international human rights and humanitarian law.