Russian ombudsman for children: Caucasus is fond of children

Russian Presidential Ombudsman for Childen Pavel Astakhov has given a very positive picture of protection of children's rights in the Caucasus in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza. In his words, the local population loves children and traditionally forms large families, where children's rights are much better protected.

The ombudsman said that Ingushetia and Chechnya had practically no orphans. North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan have about 200 children living in boarding schools each, according to Astakhov.

He believes that solving problems in the large Caucasian family is a tradition in the Caucasus, no external interference is needed. Astakhov pointed out an institution called the council of the elders, for example, the muftis council in Chechnya and Ingushetia, which solve all family-related problems if needed. The ombudsman emphasized the importance of keeping memories about people's nature, family, origins, traditions, history, culture, faith.