B4-0418, 0421, 0433, 0445, 0473 and 0477/95

Resolution on human rights in Chechnya

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolutions of 15 December 1994 ((Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 11.)) and 19 January 1995 ((Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 8.)) on the situation in Chechnya, and 16 February 1995 on the humanitarian situation in Chechnya and the neighbouring republics of Ingushetia, Dagestan and Northern Ossetia ((Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 9(h).)),

A. whereas the fighting in Chechnya is continuing and several ceasefire attempts have failed,

B. having regard to the conclusions of the Helsinki Watch field investigations carried out in Chechnya from 8 to 20 February 1995, which found that Russian forces continue to commit 'flagrant violations' of human rights,

C. considering that, whilst respecting the internationally recognized borders of the Russian Federation, the authorities of the Russian Federation have the obligation to restore respect for human rights and democracy in this region,

D. saluting the declared opposition of many Russians to these military operations and the violations of human rights accompanying them,

E. whereas over the past three years, as a consequence of several conflicts in the northern Caucasus region and the war in Chechnya, there have constantly been around 400 000 people fleeing their homes, living under precarious conditions which are a threat to their survival,

F. deploring the fact that the State Duma has decided to dismiss Mr Sergei Kovalev from his duties as Commissioner for Human Rights,

1. Reiterates its strong condemnation of the serious violations of human rights committed by parts of the Russian army in Chechnya, and asks the Russian authorities to take action against those responsible;

2. Reiterates its call on the Russian and Chechen sides to call an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict - in order to allow for the retrieval of the dead and wounded, and the establishment of corridors and safety zones to facilitate aid measures - and to start negotiations and create the conditions for the restoration of human rights and democracy in Chechnya;

3. Demands that the people living in the combat zone be treated by the Russian army with full respect for human rights and the rights of minorities as defined in the conventions to which Russia has subscribed, and reminds the latter that Parliament will make this a precondition for future closer relations with the European Union;

4. Insists that humanitarian aid dispatched to relieve the people concerned must be allowed to reach them as fast as possible without being diverted, which will involve tight control over the supply routes for such aid, and that there should be no obstacle to distribution by non-governmental organizations;

5. Calls on the central Russian Government to take seriously the problem of displaced persons from Chechnya, to guarantee them essential infrastructures and the supply mechanisms necessary for their survival and to initiate a reconstruction plan to enable families to return to their former home areas;

6. Insists that permanent observer missions from the OSCE and international delegations, including the delegation from the European Parliament, must be allowed access to the conflict zone forthwith, so as to be able to assess on the spot the actual situation facing the people concerned and the most urgent measures that should be taken for their relief;

7. Hopes that the State Duma will reconsider its decision to dismiss the Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Kovalev, from his duties;

8. Urges its Delegation for relations with the Russian Federation to discuss these matters with the Russian authorities and to report to Parliament as soon as possible after their return;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the President of the Russian Federation, the President of the State Duma, the Chechen authorities and the Secretary-General of the OSCE.