Human Lives Human Rights: European nations are urged to immediately cease the repatriation of refugees and asylum seekers from the North Caucasus to Russia, where they face the imminent threat of torture, ill-treatment, and potential forced involvement in Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
A report titled “The Point of No Return” reveals that countries including Croatia, France, Germany, Poland, and Romania have either executed or attempted to extradite or deport asylum seekers from the North Caucasus, thereby violating their rights to international protection. Individuals hailing from this region, predominantly Muslim and comprising Chechen, Dagestani, and Ingush ethnicities, are unjustly labeled as ‘dangerous extremists,’ justifying their return to a region fraught with rights abuses.
“It is scandalous that despite claims to have halted all judicial collaboration with Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, several European nations are poised to repatriate individuals fleeing persecution in the North Caucasus,” stated a rights advocate. “Many from this background face imminent arrest, abduction, torture, or forced conscription upon return.”
The dire human rights situation in the North Caucasus, particularly in Chechnya, has further deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Individuals expressing dissent, engaging in human rights advocacy, or being perceived as part of the LGBTI community risk severe reprisals, including arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance.
The withdrawal of Russia from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the crackdown on independent human rights monitoring have exacerbated the risk of abuses, leaving victims without recourse for justice.
European governments’ readiness to repatriate individuals to Russia, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, is particularly alarming. This risk has escalated following recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which must not serve as a pretext for disregarding asylum seekers’ protection needs.
“European governments must immediately halt all transfers to Russia of individuals at risk of torture or other human rights violations,” emphasized the advocate. “Fair assessments of protection needs must be conducted in light of Russia’s dire human rights situation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.”
The report underscores the urgent need for European states to uphold their obligations under international law and safeguard the rights of asylum seekers from the North Caucasus, ensuring they are not subjected to further harm upon return.
