Youth behaviour code

The North Caucasian authorities will survey the observance of moral and ethical norms by young people

The deputy envoy of the President to the North Caucasian Federal District, Vladimir Shvetsov, who previously headed the Federal Security Services in several North Caucasian republics, has proposed introducing a special behavioural code for the youth of the region willing to travel to other districts of Russian Federation. Shevtsov noted that even if young tourists from the Caucasus do not violate the law, they sometimes misinterpret the norms and traditions of recreational activities of people from other regions. He stressed that these misunderstandings should be resolved and to that end a set of behavioural norms is being worked out by the presidential administration.

This statement provoked a strong negative reaction among the communities of the region. Buvaisar Saitiev, the Chechen wrestler and public figure, told a correspondent of IslamNews that such a code had existed in the Caucasus for thousands of years and it should not be risked due to a lack of restraint among some young people. The president of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov also expressed his concern and perplexity regarding this project. He pointed out that Chechens are tolerant people and do not mind if people of different ethnic origins follow their own traditions in Grozny, so it would be unwise to deprive Chechen people of the same liberties while residing in other regions.

At the same time an Internet statement subjecting Shevtsov’s proposal to severe criticism was issued by the Kabardian community. It points out that Caucasian people do not express their irritation when Russian traditions like Crucession or Cossak parades are carried out, not to mention that Russian people often violate ‘moral norms’ themselves while relaxing. According to the statement, Mr Shevtsov is about to turn traditions and customs into written law, and that should not be allowed. Kabardinians proposed issuing a similar code for Russian youth visiting the Caucasus, especially for football fans, who recently caused severe damage to Nalchik stadium.

It is worth mentioning that orthodox priests, to all intents and purposes, supported the opponents of Shevtsov. A discussion held on the regions.ru website demonstrates that orthodox clergy seek a settlement of the issue, not in a specially composed code , but in the efficient work of the local civic administrations. The state itself should create conditions for peaceful and friendly interaction among its peoples.

People inevitably get confused in alien cultural conditions, but it is extremely unwise to blame a whole nation (or one of its age groups) for a total lack of culture in such a multi-national region. These problems should be dealt with by experts and with extreme caution.

Ekaterina Tesemnikova, exclusively to VK