This past week, disturbing accusations were released in the newspaper Novaya Gazeta claiming that concentration camps had been opened in Chechnya, a Russian Republic. The report claimed that up to 100 men have been detained so far. In these camps, it is said that the men are tortured, even killed, for their sexuality. The publication of these accusations follows reports starting in March that gay men in Chechnya were disappearing without a trace. The veracity of these claims has yet to been proven, but a variety of sources have come forward. According to Ekaterina Sokirianskaia, Russian project director of the International Crisis Group, in the days after this information was released, she received reports from multiple sources confirming the allegations. Chechnya, a majority Muslim republic, is known for its deeply conservative roots and rabid homophobia. As such, while the claims have yet to be proven, Sokirianskaia says it is “almost impossible to believe this is not happening.”
Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters in a conference call that there was no proof to back up the claims, stating, “We are unaware of any reports to the police or any complaints filed to them from the representatives of non-traditional sexual orientations regarding this. Maybe I’m mistaken and maybe some reports took place, but at least I haven’t read anything about it. This information has to be verified.” It appears the nation, which has been cited for its homophobic actions in the past, is planning to have the claims investigated to some degree. However, this could just be an attempt to placate the media.
The response from the Chechen government, however, was much different. Press Secretary of the republic’s Interior Ministry, Magomed Deniev, told media that the report was likely “an April Fool’s joke.” Another spokesman, Alvi Karimov, told Interfax that the story was “an absolute lie.” He later stated, “You can’t detain and harass someone who doesn’t exist in the republic. If there were such people in the Chechen republic, law enforcement wouldn’t have a problem with them because relatives would send them to a place of no return.” He appears to be referencing honour killings, or murders carried out by one’s own family in retaliation for a perceived violation of social norms. Even human rights organizations, charged with protections every citizen, do not care about LGBTQIA+ rights.
Since this information was made public, the international community has been up in arms, demanding an investigation into these allegations as well as the release of the prisoners. UN human rights experts are hoping Russian authorities will investigate these reports. A statement posted on the website for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reads, “It is crucial that reports of abductions, unlawful detentions, torture, beatings and killings of men perceived to be gay or bisexual are investigated thoroughly.” In recent years, the UN has taken a clear stance in regards to the promotion of human rights for all, including based on sexual orientation. In 2014 the organization ran an ad campaign featuring members of the organization, such as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, holding signs in support of LGBT rights. This coincided with the UN’s prominent support of the the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, a grassroots organization that began in 2004 and has since gained a large following and support from a variety of organizations. In 2011, the first resolution identifying gay rights as human rights was passed. This historic statement marked a change in the handling of LGBTQIA+ rights that has only continued to improve.
With all of this in mind, here are five steps that should be taken in the coming years. It is only through immediate, sustainable action that this heinous treatment of fellow human beings can be stopped and prevented from occurring again.
First and foremost, Chechnya must recognize the existence of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the republic. By denying their existence, the republic attempts to cover up their potential crimes by erasing the existence of those they were perpetrated against.
Second, an investigation into the situation must begin immediately. Given Russia’s stance on gay rights in the past, it seems doubtful that the authorities will take these accusations seriously. As such, the best course of action would be to form a UN group to investigate the issue in an appropriate manner. Careful steps must be taken to discover the veracity of these statements while also respecting the Chechen government and the traditions of the republic’s citizens.
Education of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their lifestyles is another important step. Homophobia is rooted in the belief that this behaviour is unnatural and not compatible with cultural heritage. Increasing education about LGBTQIA+ lifestyles in more homophobic countries can help people see past this stigma and recognize those around them as people, regardless of how they identify.
Furthermore, international bodies must speak up condemning this behaviour. The spotlight must remain on this issue until answers are available to ensure the situation is not covered up in some manner. LGBTQIA+ right defenders in Russia need to speak up and keep the pressure on the issue.
Finally, a push must be made for Chechnya to recognize the rights and liberties of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This needs to start with the criminalization of honour killings and the punishment of those who carry out such attacks. While this will not happen overnight, or likely in the next ten years, it is only through a global recognition of these rights as human rights that systemic homophobia can be stamped out and these people can live in peace without fearing for their lives.
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