The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society have published a statement related to the 67th anniversary of the Chechen-Ingush deportation as well as a visit by the Chechen Mothers organization head, Madina Magomadova.

“Today is World Chechnya Day and demonstrations are being held throughout the world to commemorate the deportation of approximately 500,000 Chechens to Siberia on the orders of Stalin. But these demonstrations that are held, also symbolize a condemnation of the world’s silence against the two wars in Chechnya.

Over the past 15 years, two wars ravaged Chechnya, resulting in many civilian deaths and injuries. However, it is not the only Republic in the North Caucasus affected by it, although Russian society is strongly influenced by the wars.

Officially the anti-terrorist operations were ended in Chechnya in the spring of 2009. The picture which has been conveyed since then, showing that the situation in the republic has normalized. However, the bombings a month ago at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow were a painful reminder that there is still a war in the country. The reality in southern Russia is that there is a low-intensity war, which is rarely seen in either the Russian or international media,” was said in the statement.

“For the people of Chechnya, knowledge of the world’s support for their work and courageous stances for peace and human rights is extremely important. The Swedish government must continue to strengthen its support for the people who promote democracy and human rights in Northern Caucasus. We are very excited about the support given each year by Sweden, but we are also convinced that more can be done,” said Paulina Kluge, political secretary of the Swedish Peace (Svenska Freds).

In the statement, it was noted out that the Chechen Mothers organization is one of many human rights organizations working for peace and democracy in the North Caucasus. Swedish Peace and Chechen Mothers have worked together since 2005. The head of the Chechen Mothers organization, Madina Magomadova is currently visiting Sweden.

According to the press-release, anyone who would like to reach Madina Magomadova can contact Paulina Kluge.

For more information, contact:
Paulina Kluge, political secretary of the Swedish Peace: +46 0707-634856
Anna Ek, president Swedish Peace: +46 0709-540513.

*Text was translated by Waynakh Online and edited by Michael Capobianco