The UN Secretary-General has said that there are very troubling questions about violations of human rights in Chechnya during fighting between Russian forces and rebels. Speaking to reporters in New York, Kofi Annan said that he welcomed a planned visit next month by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson. He supported the emphasis she placed on ensuring an international human rights presence to monitor treatment of civilians and to seek access to detainees.
Mrs Robinson told reporters in New York earlier today that she intended to make a very strong case for people in the territory who allege that their rights have been seriously violated. Mary Robinson said that there was a particular need for investigation where those acting on behalf of the state were alleged to have carried out acts in violation of human rights, including rape and indiscriminate bombing. She said that she had originally intended to send a personal envoy to Chechnya, but had decided to try to go herself because of what she called the lack of response from the Russian authorities.
