Rebellion in the North Caucasus calmed down but human rights violations continue

In 2014, a total of 198 people from the Russian Federation sought asylum in Finland. In January–May this year, the figure was 87. The majority of asylum seekers from Russia come from Chechnya or Ingushetia. This is revealed by the asylum interview protocols for 2014, examined by the Country Information Service of the Finnish Immigration Service.

According to a recent public report under the ‘Suuntaus’ project, based on information from public sources, the Caucasus Emirate, the union of rebels active in the area, is experiencing a crisis due to its two previous leaders having been killed. Many the commanders and combatants have transferred to the ranks of IS (ISIS), the international Islamic organisation.

According to Project Manager Arno Tanner, recent statistics and analyses indicate that rebellious activity and bomb attacks in the area have reduced. However, this may only be a temporary change. Major security operations were organised e.g. before the Olympic Games in Sochi.

The authorities complicate the work of human rights organisations

"Despite the receding rebellious activity in the area, Ingushetia in particular, the region still suffers from human rights problems caused by the authorities," says Tanner.

In Chechnya and Ingushetia, those suspected of rebellious activity or providing assistance to rebels, including their family members, have been illegally detained, tortured, with fabricated criminal charges brought against them. Previously arrested and interrogated persons, or those having gone missing and liberated again, and those practising the Islamic religion in ways not approved by the authorities are at risk of facing human rights violations.

Special forces of the police and the intelligence service can act largely with impunity and it is very difficult for the victims of abuse to win justice even in courts of law. It is difficult for human rights organisations to work in the area.

Themes for country information reports based on asylum interview protocols

The current theme report is an outcome of the Suuntaus project, a country information development project funded by the European Refugee Fund. The Country Information Service of the Finnish Immigration Service continuously collects information on the countries of origin of asylum seekers. The information obtained helps immigration officials when making permit decisions. Completed and future reports:

Further information: Arno Tanner, Project Manager, tel. +385 295 430 431, email: first-name.lastname@migri.fi