The Chechen nation bears a collective stigma created and fueled by Russian propaganda. Chechens are portrayed as a threat, even though they are often victims of persecution themselves. Roza Dunayevova, Human Rights Commissioner for the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, highlighted human rights violations against Chechens at an OSCE conference.
Vienna, October 15, 2026
Source: direct communication between Roza Dunayevova and the editorial office
From October 5 to 15, 2026, I, Roza Dunayevova, Human Rights Commissioner for the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria abroad, participated in an OSCE meeting where I highlighted serious concerns regarding human rights violations against the Chechen nation, both in the occupied Chechen Republic and throughout Europe.
During the session, I delivered a statement and, via the OSCE online platform, submitted several reports documenting cases of persecution, threats, torture, unlawful detention, discrimination, and the risks faced by Chechens seeking international protection. These submissions are part of my ongoing efforts to bring these rights violations to the attention of international institutions. I have repeatedly submitted reports on these issues to the OSCE, both in previous years and throughout the current year.
My reports included the cases of Muslim Alkhazov and his family in Germany, who were reportedly subjected to torture, humiliation, and threats, and whose relatives were killed; Said Abuyev (Germany), a survivor of torture in Chernokozovo; and Abubakar Elmuradov (Sweden), a participant in the Russo-Chechen war and a representative of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in exile, who currently resides in Sweden and faces serious concerns regarding his protection and potential return (to Russia, editor’s note).
Aslambek Chergizov (France), Isa Khammatovich Yakhieyayev (Belgium), Ali Murtazov (Germany), Zelimkhan Magamadov (Germany), Ruslan Elzhurkayev (Belgium) – and others…
I also highlighted concerns regarding the situation of Chechens in Germany, Austria, Croatia, Sweden, and other European countries, particularly the risks of deportation, extradition, and the potential abuse of Russian criminal proceedings and international warrants against people seeking safety abroad. Our documentation includes cases of individuals who fear that returning to Russia could expose them to renewed persecution, torture, imprisonment, or death.
A central theme of my presentations was the Russian mobilization of the population of the occupied Chechen Republic for the war against Ukraine.
I emphasized that the Chechen nation must not be forced to participate in a war waged by an occupying power. Article 51 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, prohibits an occupying power from compelling protected persons to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces. Article 8(2)(a)(v) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court also classifies compelling a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile power as a war crime under the conditions set forth by the statute.
These legal safeguards must be taken seriously when assessing the situation of Chechens fleeing mobilization because they refuse to fight in a war they do not support. Their circumstances and protection claims must be assessed individually, with full consideration of the risks they would face if returned.
I called on the international community to pay greater attention to the situation in the occupied Chechen Republic, the consequences of Russian policy for the Chechen population, and the treatment of Chechens seeking refuge in Europe.
The Chechen nation must not be collectively portrayed as a security threat when many Chechens are themselves victims of persecution, repression, and forced displacement. European governments must ensure that asylum and deportation decisions comply with international human rights obligations and that no one is returned to a place where they face a real risk of torture, persecution, or other serious harm.
I will continue to document these cases, submit reports to international institutions, and speak out publicly on behalf of the Chechen nation. These rights violations must not remain invisible, and the testimonies of those affected must be heard.
Roza Dunayevova, Human Rights Commissioner for the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria abroad, Representative of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in Austria
