Violation of Human Rights in Chechnya, Response from the Committee

Parliamentary Questions

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0426/03

Submission: Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(07 February 2003)

E-0426/03EL

Answer from Mr. Patten

on behalf of the Commission

(19.3.2003)

The Committee expresses its concern regarding the current situation in the North Caucasus. There are continuous reports of human rights abuses in Chechnya and reprisals against civilians by the Russian armed forces and their Chechen allies, as well as by insurgents.

The Committee emphasizes that the application of common values in the areas of democracy and human rights strengthens the partnership and cooperation agreement between the Union and Russia, and constitutes the core elements of the Union-Russia partnership. The Committee promotes the respect for human rights and democracy in Russia through a series of projects, which are funded under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. These activities are carried out in collaboration with civil society and international organizations. The Tacis program also operates in this area.

In the North Caucasus, there is a special joint program between the Commission and the Council of Europe, which focuses on promoting pluralistic democracy and the rule of law.

The Commission will continue to raise the issue of respect for human rights within the framework of the Union’s bilateral political dialogue with Russia. The Commission condemns terrorism in all its forms and will continue to pressure Russia to investigate all alleged cases of human rights abuses in a direct, independent, and impartial manner. Those responsible will be prosecuted. The Commission also hopes that Russia will allow the publication of the Council of Europe’s report on torture in Chechnya and will permit the United Nations rapporteurs on torture and executions following summary trials to prepare a report on this situation.

The Commission expresses its regret regarding Russia’s decision not to expand the mandate of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) assistance group. The Commission believes that it is in Russia’s interest for the OSCE to maintain a presence on the ground in Chechnya, alongside a significant mandate. Consequently, it supports the current Dutch president of the OSCE in his efforts to engage Russia in advancing progress in this area.