Russian Fed.: UN Emergency Relief Coordinator alarmed at plans to close IDP camp in Ingushetia

(New York: 27 November) Kenzo Oshima, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, issued a statement today in which he expressed his alarm at the prospect of the closing of a camp by Russian authorities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Aki Yurt, Ingushetia on 1 December.
The IDP camp in Aki Yurt is home to well over 1,000 persons displaced by prolonged conflict in the neighboring republic of Chechnya (Russian Federation). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that while the IDPs wish to return to Chechnya, they are reluctant to do so at this point because of insecurity in the republic and the lack of shelter, basic services, and economic opportunities there.

"Returns can only be considered voluntary if no risk exists to returnees' life, safety, liberty, or health," Mr. Oshima said.

"IDPs considering return must be given options, including the possibility of staying in their current place of sojourn or resettling in other parts of the Russian Federation of their choice. The authorities must make all possible efforts to ensure that IDPs participate fully, based on sufficient and accurate information, in the planning of their own return or resettlement," he continued.

The statement also noted the United Nations' continued commitment to dialogue with the Russian authorities on this and other humanitarian issues related to Chechnya and reaffirmed its intention to continue working with the Russian authorities in the region.

The UN is currently providing protection and assistance to over one million people in Ingushetia and Chechnya, who were displaced in fighting that restarted three years ago. In the midst of winter, some IDPs are living in tents in sites designated by local authorities, while others stay in spontaneous settlements or with host families. Insecurity in the region is high, aggravating the already fragile existence of some one million civilians and 250,000 displaced persons in the two republics and complicating local, federal, and international efforts to carry out assistance programs. Years of conflict have destroyed much of the republic's capacity to shelter people and left scarce opportunity for economic activity. The population of Chechnya, including the 140,000 displaced persons, have acute requirements in terms of protection and assistance.

United Nations humanitarian agencies are seeking $34 million through the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal Process for protection and assistance activities in 2003. The United Nations has been rendering assistance to IDPS in Chechnya and Ingushetia since 1999.

For further information, please contact Toby Lanzer, Head of Office, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)Tel: +7095-956-6405; Fax: +7095-956-6355; http://www.ocha.ru