Protest against Russian actions in the Northern Caucasus
THIS IS AN ALERT LETTER TO EVERYONE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SITUATION OF
DISPLACED PERSONS IN THE RUSSIAN NORTHERN CAUCASUS
WE DECLARE
THE FIRST PUBLIC INITIATIVE FOR DIRECT HUMANITARIAN AID
Russian
troops continue military actions in Chechnya. In the meantime people are fleeing
this territory for their lives and, when permitted to cross the border with
Ingushetia, are put into refugee camps there. More than 215,000 of displaced
persons are put in camps, and only those who have relatives in other regions of
Russia are granted permission to leave Ingushe- tia. Russian public seems to
support harsh military measures while the suffering of those deprived of their
belongings and human dignity goes unnoticed. Current humanitarian aid is not
sufficient and frequently does not reach refugees at all. Until lately there was
no public initiative in Russia for organizing direct aid. Antifascist Youth
Action together with a Youth Cultural Association started the first program of a
direct humanitarian mission to Ingushetia to help refugees.
HELP THOSE IN NEED!
DIRECTLY. INDEPENDENTLY. NEUTRALLY.
PRECISELY
Russian and international observers agree that the present
situation in the Northern Caucasus is a humanitarian catastrophe. Behind this
definition are personal tragedies of tens of thousands of Russian citizens who
are fleeing Chechnya for their lives. The Republic of Ingushetia, which borders
Chechnya, alone houses approximately 215,000 refugees. People in refugee camps
suffer from shortage of food, warm clothing, essential medicines, and baby food.
The situation is deteriorating with every day. Several deaths have been
reported, including new-born babies. The continuing military campaign and
approaching winter are sure to make life of the displaced persons even
harder.
The initiative of a direct help to the refugees belongs to the
Cultural Association. Currently this civil initiative is being realized together
with the Antifascist Youth Movement. The main goal of this action is to help the
refugees disregarding the whole array of opinions on how the Chechen crisis
should be tackled. Public voluntary support and aid will be signs of a free will
and reconciliation, and will signify that those who are deprived of their
belongings due to military action are not neglected by the society. Today the
fastest and safest way to help is to deliver and distribute articles directly.
We appeal to everyone who is concerned about civilians suffering without shelter
and means of existence: HELP THOSE IN NEED! DIRECTLY. INDEPENDENTLY. NEUTRALLY.
PRECISELY.
We have already begun collecting warm clothing. The first
shipment was sent to the "Northern Point" camp (Ingushetia), which houses 6,000
people. This action was organized in cooperation with the Center for Peace and
Social Development. In the nearest future we plan to organize a humanitarian
convoy to another refugee camp, supposedly one near Ingush town of Karabulak,
where 7, 000 to 10,000 people are placed. We have an experience of organizing a
humanitarian convoy with a direct distribution of articles in cooperation with
"Hilfe fuer die Vergessenen" (Austria - Bosnia).
We need funds for leasing
trucks and covering transportation expenses, as well as for purchasing medicines
and baby food. Besides, we might need legal assistance. We will appreciate
support in any form.
LET'S HELP THE FORGOTTEN TOGETHER!
For further
information please contact:
Antifascist Youth Action (AMD)
phone/fax: (7
095) 191 60 86
e-mail:liberty@aha.ru