A delegation of the Council of Europe headed by the Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberger is on a visit to Chechnya. He met the Chechen Ombudsman Nurdi Nukhajiyev and discussed human rights in Chechnya, Yuga.ru reports.
The ombudsman noted that Chechnya is prospering with the efforts of its leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and living standards are improving. He said that there are no obstacles in realizing protection of the human rights.
Non-governmental human rights organizations have started working more professionally and independently.
Nukhajiyev reminded the CE Hammarberger about the joint program of Russia and the CE to support democratic processes in Chechnya and law education.
The ombudsman noted that there are still problems with searches for kidnapped and missing people and establishment of a laboratory for identifying exhumed remains. There are also problems with mass graves, and protection of the rights of convicts in other Russian regions.
The ombudsman mentioned the problem of investigating crimes committed by law-enforcers during counter-terrorism operations.
Concerning xenophobia. the ombudsman said that they achieved success among youth organizations and media. However, many problems are artificial and created by nationalistic organization or journalists.
Nukhajiyev said that the government is supporting non-government organizations. Special seminars, trainings with participation of human rights activists and public organizations, executive authorities and law-enforcers are held.
Thomas Hammarberger gave a high rating to human rights organizations in Chechnya, adding that they must continue cooperation with the ombudsman. Hammarberger said that he will visit republics of the North Caucasus and prepare a report.
