This "Urgent Action" issue was received by FAX in Kiev office on December 19, 1994.

URGENT ACTION

Appeal For The Respect Of Humanitarian Law

15 December 1994

RUSSIA

Amnesty International is appealing to both sides in the current conflict in the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic to respect human rights and observe basic humanitarian standards.

Amnesty International takes no position on territorial disputes. However, within the terms of its mandate the organization is calling on all parties to the conflict to protect both civilian and military victims of the fighting in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Such protection includes ensuring that civilians are not the subject of deliberate attacks and are not arbitrarily detained; that detainees of any kind are not subject to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; and that non-combatants are protected from all acts of reprisal and violence. Amnesty International is also calling on all parties to facilitate appropriate access to detainees by International Committee of the Red Cross.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The territory of the self-proclaimed Chechen Republic became part of the Tsarist empire in the nineteenth century, after fierce resistance, and was absorbed into the former Soviet Union following the Bolshevik revolution. The entire population was deported en masse to Soviet Central Asia by Stalin in 1944, and allowed to return only in 1950s.

The CHechen Republic declared independence in 1991, a move not recognized by Russia or internationality. Tension between the Russian and Chechen sides has escalated during this year. On 11 December Russian troops entered the territory, and armed clashes have occurred as they move towards the capital, Grozny.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/faxes/express and airmail letters either in English, Russian or in your own language:

- urging all sides to the conflict to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, including by ensuring that civilians are not deliberately targeted and that non-combatants are not subject to acts of reprisal and violence.

Amnesty International, International Secretariat, 1 Eastern Street, London WC1X 8DJ, United kingdom

Tel: (44)(71)413 5500

Fax: 9561157

Telegrams: Amnesty London WC1

Telex: 28502

E-mail: amnestyis@gn.apc.org