Strasbourg, 06/09/11 – "The situation in the North Caucasus continues to present major challenges for the protection of human rights. The efforts made to improve the quality of life of the people living in the region should continue, but greater determination is needed to put an end to serious human rights violations, such as abductions, disappearances and ill-treatment of detained persons", said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, releasing today the report on his visit to the Russian Federation from 12 to 21 May 2011.
The continuing challenges to security in the North Caucasus amount to a serious ongoing crisis with consequences which extend beyond the region. "Such a crisis constitutes a test of the strength of State commitment to human rights principles. It is both possible and necessary to fight terrorism while respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. While state authorities have a clear duty to protect the public from terrorism and the actions of illegal armed groups, counter-terrorism measures should be carried out in full compliance with human rights norms. The worthy aims stated by the Russian authorities of bringing peace and prosperity to the region can only be built on the solid foundation of commonly agreed values."
The Commissioner supports efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation and reintegrating into society those who have abandoned the course of armed insurgency and recommends further efforts to dismantle the links between corruption, organised crime and terrorism and to prevent their nefarious influence from spreading in society.
The persistent patterns of impunity for serious human rights violations are among the most intractable problems of the North Caucasus and remain a source of major concern. "The situation in practice remains essentially unchanged since my previous visit in September 2009", states Commissioner Hammarberg.
"The absence of requisite determination is one of the main obstacles to pursuing accountability in cases where the responsibility of public officials is implicated. This makes it even more important for the Russian leadership to deliver the unequivocal message that impunity will no longer be tolerated. Not only should the investigating, prosecutorial and judicial authorities be sensitised to the important obligations which are incumbent upon them, but they should also be motivated to fulfil those obligations in a conscientious and impartial manner."
Finally, the Commissioner expresses deep concern that the murder of Natalya Estemirova has still not been clarified and stresses that human rights activists continue to face serious obstacles in their work. "It is crucial to promote safe and favourable conditions for the work of human rights activists. Any attacks against such persons must be investigated effectively with a view to ensuring the criminal accountability and punishment of the perpetrators. Instances of intimidation, harassment, or threats against human rights activists should also be condemned unequivocally."
