14 November 2003, 13:57
Chechen refugees in Austria left to the mercy of fate
It has become known that the Chechen refugees living in the "Azul" camp for displaced people in Treiskirchen, Austria, have been suffering indignities from the Austrian authorities for the second week already. People, in a literal sense, are thrown out in the street and have to spend nights and days in the cold autumn rain. It should be noted there are children, women and the sick among the refugees.
According to our information, only children under 12 years of age are allowed to spend nights in the camp. Other children are not let in the territory of the camp, they are left in the street - to be out of bed in the damp under foot. As to the sick, whose number is increasing swiftly, they are deprived even of elementary medical aid.
Our special indignation is caused by the fact that the Austrian authorities, contacting with the migration services of France, Germany and other European countries, notify them about their readiness to receive the Chechen refugees without any restrictions. But when the Chechen refugees arrive in Austria, they are left to the mercy of fate beyond the limits of the camp and deprived of any means of existence.
The situation is very serious and requires immediate interference of all Chechen information editions to inform the international community and, first of all, the international human rights and humanitarian organizations about the tragic fate of the Chechen refugees in Austria. All interested persons, editions and organizations can communicate with the Chechen refugees in Austria. The contact telephone is 00436641708748.
Source: Chechenpress Information Agency
