23:37, 25 February 2005

Chechen refugees on hunger strike in Azerbaijan

A group of Chechen refugees living in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, has gone on a hunger strike protesting against the violation of their rights by the UNHCR office in Baku, the Caucasian Knot correspondent was told at the Chechen Human Rights Center. Participants accuse the UN office of breaking the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The Chechen refugees consider that UN representatives should increase financial aid to refugees since life in Azerbaijan has become more expansive. The protesters passed an appeal, which holds the demand to grant them refugee status, send to third countries and give them a monthly benefit, the source at the human rights center said. No one has responded to the refugees' demands so far.

Meanwhile, as reported by the UNHCR press service, anyone who considers himself or herself a refugee can apply to this organization for this status.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent