Opinions differ as to the Public Commission on Chechnya

The message about the intention of a number of Russian human rights organizations to set up the Public Commission for monitoring the situation with observance of human rights in the territory of the Chechen Republic has caused contradictory reactions in the republic. Some members of local human rights NGOs saw in this initiative a sort of encroachment of "Varangians" on their sphere of influence; others believe that the commission will help local residents.

Let us remind you that the decision to set up the Public Commission on Chechnya was made on November 23 by the Moscow-based Foundation "Public Verdict", Institute of Human Rights from Moscow, public organization "Human and Law" from Ioshkar-Ola, news analytical agency "Obyectiv" (Lens) from Grozny and a number of other human rights organizations from different regions of Russia.

Nurdi Nukhazhiev, Ombudsman in the Chechen Republic, made a statement full of sharp criticism of the initiative of Russian human rights activists.

"Outgoing from elementary ethic norms, Russian regional human rights organizations should have at least consulted with their Chechen colleagues prior to set up any commissions on Chechnya," Nukhazhiev's statement runs.

In his opinion, human rights activists from Russian regions have no need to form united mobile groups for visiting the republic. "Let them meet citizens and human rights organizations; let them hold meetings with the authorities; or let them at least read annual reports of the Chechen Ombudsman," runs Mr Nukhazhiev's statement.

On the contrary, members of some Chechen NGOs, distant from the state and authorities, believe that establishment of the commission is a good initiative.

"One should not play hanky-panky with the situation here and present it in pink colour. We have to admit that the situation with human rights in the republic it very grave. In fact, after the murders of Natalia Estemirova and Zarema Sadulayeva, and curtailing the activities of the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial", the overwhelming majority of facts of terror and violence against citizens have ceased to be made public. Human rights activists and public figures now work with caution, as there is no guarantee that someone excessively resolute and bold will not follow Estemirova's destiny," a head of the local public organization, who preferred to remain anonymous, said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"In recent months, dozens have been kidnapped, murdered, disappeared and fell victim of torture in the republic; however, neither Nukhazhiev no someone else strike alarm on the occasion," said the source.

He is sure that if there are observers from aside, it will be even better for the residents of the republic. "Because locals are forced to adapt themselves to the authorities; they're engaged in self-censorship, otherwise they have no chance to continue their work," the NGO activist has concluded.