12 April 2000
Text: U.S. on Chechnya Human Rights at UN Meeting, Geneva, April 11
(Russia urged to cooperate in independent probe of allegations) (1,000) Ambassador Nancy Rubin, head of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, addressed the commission's meeting in Geneva April 11 on the human rights situation in Chechnya. She welcomed the positive steps Russia has taken to allow observers access to sites in Chechnya but said the United States shares the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights' concerns that the response so far does not match the scale of allegations of violations. "It is important that Russia conduct -- in cooperation with international organizations and experts -- an immediate, transparent, impartial and independent investigation of all credible charges, including those associated with Alkhan-Yurt, Staropromyslovsky and Aldi," Ambassador Rubin said. Following is the text of her statement: (begin text) Ambassador Nancy Rubin Head of U.S. Delegation U.N. Commission on Human Rights Geneva, April 11, 2000 STATEMENT ON CHECHNYA Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the United States of America, I thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights for her report. This session should not conclude without meaningful action to respond to the issues raised by the High Commissioner's report. As Secretary Albright told this Commission, the U.S. is profoundly disturbed by persistent and credible reports of human rights violations in Chechnya. The U.S. Government welcomed the recent visit of Mrs. Robinson to Russia and strongly supports her engagement on this important human rights issue. We share her serious concerns about the situation in Chechnya. We join her and other delegations in expressing concern about the many credible reports of human rights and humanitarian law violations in Chechnya by both Russian and Chechen forces. While we recognize Russia's right to defend its territorial integrity and protect its population against terrorism and attacks from insurgent groups, we cannot condone its methods. The violent secessionism and extremism of Chechen rebels, coupled with provocations in Dagestan and elsewhere, were legitimate security concerns. We have never disputed Russia's right, or indeed its responsibility, to fight terrorism on its soil. But none of that begins to justify the Russian government's use of massive force against civilians inside Chechnya. This brutal war has damaged both Russia's democratic transformation and its reputation in the eyes of the world. As we know from the High Commissioner's vivid description, Grozny today is, literally, a smoking, charred ruin. It will take decades and millions of dollars to rebuild Chechnya. We acknowledge the Russian government's willingness to accept a visit by the U.N. High Commissioner, but we regret that Russian authorities did not provide her with full access to the sites that she had requested. This stands in sharp contrast to the positive steps that the Russian government had taken just before her visit: -- During his meeting with ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross] President Kellenberger, President-elect Putin agreed to grant access to detainees and pledged to support the ICRC's return to Chechnya; we look forward to speedy implementation of that decision. -- We welcome Russia's agreement to facilitate the return of the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Assistance Group to the region. -- And we welcome Russia's agreement to include experts from the Council of Europe on the team of the Special Representative for Human Rights in Chechnya. Russia has begun to take some steps in an attempt to address this Commission's concerns about its commitment to observing international human rights standards in Chechnya. But we share the concerns expressed by the High Commissioner in her report, when she questions whether the Russian government's response to date matches the scale of allegations of human rights violations. The war in Chechnya already has greatly damaged Russia's international standing. Russia can work to repair that damage, both at home and here at this Commission, or it can choose to risk further isolating itself. That choice is the most immediate and momentous challenge that Russia faces. Russia and this Commission must act in a way that ensures that the truth be told and accountability be pursued. As the High Commissioner noted in her report last week, the relevant existing U.N. Special Rapporteurs and Special Representatives have global thematic mandates and appropriate expertise that can help to inform and guide the Commission's future actions. We agree with the High Commissioner that cooperation with the Commission's mechanisms is of crucial importance. But reporting alone is not a substitute for holding accountable those who may have committed violations of human rights or international humanitarian law. For that reason, it is important that Russia conduct -- in cooperation with international organizations and experts -- an immediate, transparent, impartial and independent investigation of all credible charges, including those associated with Alkhan-Yurt, Staropromyslovsky and Aldi. The appointment of a Special Representative for Human Rights in Chechnya is a first step, but it is vital that he be given a clear mandate and the resources and authority to contribute meaningfully to the investigatory efforts of the Russian government and the military. To facilitate an impartial investigation, we support the High Commissioner's recommendation that Russia establish a national, broad-based independent Commission of Inquiry with international participation which will operate according to recognized international standards. Unless the Russian government moves swiftly to provide a credible response to the legitimate questions that have been raised, the skepticism of the international community and supporters of human rights inside Russia can only mount. Mr. Chairman, this Commission will largely be remembered for how it treats the issue of Chechnya. It is entirely appropriate that we should be discussing Chechnya here. I call on my Russian colleague to recognize this, and to urge his government to take the necessary actions that are called for under international human rights standards and international humanitarian law, as well as those recommended by the High Commissioner. Thank you. (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
Return to the Washington File
