MINELRES: ECRI's Listserve: Statement of ECRI - 15 December 2006

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Original sender: Martine Frey <Martine.FREY@coe.int>


ECRI'S LISTSERVE

ECRI deeply concerned by recent events affecting Georgians in Russia

ECRI has issued a statement expressing its deep concern about recent
events in the Russian Federation affecting Russian citizens of Georgian
origin and Georgian citizens living there. ECRI calls on the Russian
authorities to ensure that the rule of law is maintained and principles
of non-discrimination strictly observed.


Press release � 796(2006) 

Statement of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance on
recent events affecting persons of Georgian origin in the Russian
Federation (adopted on 15 December 2006 at ECRI�s 41st plenary meeting) 


Strasbourg, 18.12.2006 - From the standpoint of its mandate to combat
racism and racial discrimination in the 46 member States of the Council
of Europe, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI)
wishes to express its deep concern about recent events affecting Russian
citizens of Georgian origin and Georgian citizens in the Russian
Federation. 

These events, which have in many cases occurred under the pretext of the
need to clamp down on crime and illegal immigration, have included
detentions, deportations, in some cases resulting in deaths, and
reported cases of harassment. ECRI deeply regrets these measures, which
have been directed by certain public authorities specifically at a
particular ethnic group. 

In keeping with the recommendations contained in its third report on the
Russian Federation published on 16 May 2006, ECRI emphasises the need
for the Russian authorities to ensure that, in respect of persons of
Georgian origin as well as all other minority groups within the Russian
Federation, the rule of law is maintained and the principle of
non-discrimination as embodied in Council of Europe standards is
strictly observed. 

* * * 

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) is the
Council of Europe�s independent human rights monitoring body in the
field of combating racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance.
ECRI's action covers all the measures needed to combat violence,
discrimination and prejudice against persons or groups of persons on
grounds of race, colour, language, religion, nationality or national or
ethnic origin. ECRI's programme of activities comprises three aspects:
(1) country-by-country monitoring; (2) work on general themes; and (3)
activities in relation with civil society. 

Council of Europe Press Division
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int
www.coe.int/press 


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