There are a considerable number of IDP's in the Russian Federation, particularly in Chechnya and the neighbouring region (1) internal displacement is therefore an issue of national concern. The Law of the Russian Federation on Forcibly Displaced Persons of 1993 determines the legal status of forcibly displaced persons in the Russian Federation and sets out of their legal, economic and social guarantees and protection and the rights and interests of citizens of the Russian Federation and permanent residents who are forcibly displaced.

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The Law defines a "forcibly displaced person" under Article 1 as a citizen of the Russian Federation forced to leave their place of residence due to violence or persecution a real danger of being subjected to persecution on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, language, as well as membership of a particular social group or political opinion, following hostile campaigns aimed against certain individuals or groups of individuals, a massive disturbance of public order and other circumstances seriously violating human rights. Non-citizens may also be entitled to recognition as forcibly displaced persons if they meet the criteria. Article 2 provides that for recognition of status forcibly displaced people must make an application to the appropriate office of the Federal Migration Service of Russia who decides on the registration of the applicant. Article 3 of the law sets out the rights and obligations of those applying for recognition as forcibly displaced persons. Applicants whose status is registered are entitled to temporary residence permits, those who have not yet been recognised as forcibly displaced persons have the right to live out of their place of temporary residence; receive unapproved food ration; have access to medical care; and receive a lump sum. Article 8 provides that forcibly displaced persons may not be returned against their will to their territory or place of residence and that decisions and actions infringing upon their rights may be appealed to higher authorities all courts of law. Despite the existence of these legal safeguards concerns have continued to be expressed about the treatment of internally displaced Chechens in the Russian Federation. (2)

(1) Link to: 'Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal 2003. Chechnya and Neighbouring Republics (Russian Federation)'

(2) ibid

For more information on internally displaced persons in Russian Federation, please see the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre provided by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Analysis provided by: Anisa Niaz LLM (Public Law), United Kingdom.

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