HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON PARTIES IN CHECHNYA TO RESPECT HUMANITARIAN LAW

15 January 1996

Press Release
HR/4274

HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CALLS ON PARTIES IN CHECHNYA TO RESPECT HUMANITARIAN LAW

19960115 GENEVA, 15 January (UNHCR) -- I have been following with great concern the difficult human rights situation in Chechnya from its very outset. As I have repeatedly stressed, the parties to this tragic conflict are under a solemn obligation to abide by the standards laid down by international human- rights and humanitarian law. Now the international community has been alarmed by events in Kiziyar, where Chechen fights have taken as hostage a large number of civilians, including women and children. Numerous hostages have reportedly died or been wounded as a result of this act of violence. The tragedy of others continues.

Nothing can justify hostage-taking and other forms of attacks on innocent non-combatants in time of conflict. An immediate peaceful end must be put to the drama of hostages. Their lives must be saved. A maximum of restraint must be exercised by all parties concerned. I am calling once again on the parties in Chechnya to take immediately all necessary steps to ensure respect for human rights and humanitarian law.

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