Two wars involving heavy losses within the past two decades have had an ongoing impact on the situation in Chechnya. Massive human rights violations from the Russian and the Chechen side have curtailed the population's fundamental rights. In spite of an alleged stability, a climate of fear and intimidation is prevailing.
In HSFK-Standpunkt 07/2013 "Mut zur Kritik! Für eine konsistente deutsche Menschenrechtspolitik in Tschetschenien vor und nach Sotschi", Konstanze Jüngling refutes arguments in favour of a "handling with kid gloves". She advocates a critical attitude which is consistent and without contradiction in its temporal as well as its institutional dimension.
This encompasses, on the one hand, that criticism is not only expressedon the occasion of the Winter Olympics but permanently, until improvement of the situation can be identified. On the other hand, criticism should not only be voiced by specialized bodies but also at the highest governmental level. Freedom of expression is an integral part of the desired respectful partnership on an equal terms.
This HSFK-Standpunkt is available as a free PDF-Download (German only).