Chechen Republic of Ichkeria: Swedish Organization Aims To Alleviate Human Rights Abuses
The Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA) is expecting to increase the knowledge about human rights and freedom of speech
For many people in Chechnya and Ingushetia, disappearances, lack of legal protection and abuses of their human rights are commonplace. More than a decade of open conflict has taken a heavy toll on the population and contributed to the serious poverty in the area.
Among others the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has criticised the Russian Federation for its lack of compliance with signed conventions. Sida now adds SEK 2.4 million to a strenuous effort directed towards people working within the civil society in the region. The goals are to increase the knowledge about human rights and freedom of speech and to reduce the abuse taking place against women and men of the area.
Many activities will be carried out within the next 18 months. Russian authorities, the press and the public as well as several other actors will be engaged in public meetings, courses and seminaries.
Results and evaluations of this works will be made public through bulletins, reports and contacts with UN, the Council of Europe, OSCE and relevant foreign ministries around the world. The support from Sida is channelled through the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights and the Russian organisations Moscow Helsinki Group and Memorial. These will be cooperating with many local organisations in Chechnya and Ingushetia. They will among other things establish a network for emergency legal help.
