This unrelenting terror is compounded by the highly precarious living conditions of those living in Chechnya and by their massive humanitarian needs, to which nobody is yet responding. These acts of violence against civilians have not given rise to any opposition on the part of member states of the Council of Europe, or indeed on the part of any other state. This lack of response indicates that states are content to accept the present situation, thereby preventing a civilian population from enjoying the protection to which it is entitled under humanitarian law. The only international body to have taken any concrete measures is the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, with its decision to suspend the voting rights of the Russian parliamentary delegation. We are forced to acknowledge, however, that none of the recent demands, resolutions and recommendations of the Assembly have had any effect - notably those related to the protection of civilians and to their freedom of movement.
Civilians are victims of massive acts of aggression, and are subjected to a policy of terror.
Their basic human rights - and primarily their freedom of movement are being flouted. As a result, civilians are denied access even to the little assistance that remains.