Chechen Refugees Go on Hunger-strike

Chechen Refugees Go on Hunger-strike

Today, 23 Chechen refugees in Pankisi Gorge have gone on a hunger-strike. They have been carrying out protests since May 6, 2004. They are demanding to be allowed to immigrate to another country with the help of the UN.

For the past 2 years, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Georgia has been promising to help Chechen refugees immigrate to other countries. However, so far, UNHCR has done nothing to assist the Chechens.

The refugees want to immigrate elsewhere because in Georgia they cannot find jobs, do not receive any humanitarian aid, lack medical services, and do not feel safe. Families with children face the most problems. More than 50% of refugee children suffer from illnesses related to malnourishment.

The Chechen refugees plan to continue their hunger strike until the UN meets their demands and begins sending them to another country.