EU Ignoring Chechnya 'Disappearances'

Anthony Butcher · 22-03-2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

(Geneva, March 21, 2005) -- With "disappearances" continuing on a wide scale in Chechnya, the practice has now reached the level of a crime against humanity, Human Rights Watch said today.

The European Union, which had in previous years introduced a resolution on Chechnya at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, has declined to do so at this year's Commission, which is now in session.

"It is astounding that the European Union has decided to take no action on Chechnya at the Commission," said Rachel Denber, acting executive director of Human Rights Watch's Europe and Central Asia Division. "To look the other way while crimes against humanity are being committed is unconscionable."

Under international law, a widespread and systematic pattern of enforced disappearances constitutes a crime against humanity -- an act that outrages the conscience of humankind. Any state may prosecute the perpetrators of such crimes, including responsible government officials and heads of states.

"Thousands of people have 'disappeared' in Chechnya since 1999, with the full knowledge of the Russian authorities," Denber said. "Witnesses now tell us that the atmosphere of utter arbitrariness and intimidation is 'worse than a war.'"

MrMoor · 23-03-2005, 10:02 PM

We ("our" governments) accept the cultural excesses in countries like Saudi and Pakistan where scores a week or day are beheaded for indiscretions such as being raped or not being Muslim but when it comes to a country which is at war with militant Islam the human rights lobby tend to get their microscopes out.

Hartlepool · 25-03-2005, 03:24 PM

Someone needs to get the big stick out because thats all they understand and respect

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23-03-2005, 10:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
MrMoor Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 259	We ("our" governments) accept the cultural excesses in countries like Saudi and Pakistan where scores a week or day are beheaded for indiscretions such as being raped or not being Muslim but when it comes to a country which is at war with militant Islam the human rights lobby tend to get their microscopes out.

25-03-2005, 03:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Hartlepool Uber Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern England Posts: 7,105 Party: Free England Party	Someone needs to get the big stick out because thats all they understand and respect