The Chechnya Advocacy Network's overarching concern is the well-being of people living in Chechnya, the North Caucasus region and migrants from that region elsewhere in Russia and around the world. We strive to support the creation of conditions in which they can live safe, peaceful, healthy, productive and happy lives. All our other objectives and pursuits are guided by this fundamental commitment.

In order to promote and support these objectives, we are working to improve the capacities of the Chechnya Advocacy Network and to shape it into a highly effective professional not-for profit organization.

For Chechnya and its residents our goals are the following:

In the short term, we demand:

• a massive improvement in the human rights climate and the full introduction of the rule of law, as well as the immediate end of human rights violations by all those currently responsible for them, i.e. the Russian federal government's agencies, its armed forces and security services;Chechen government agencies; other armed formations, including anti-government forces.
• a concerted effort to end armed violence and military action by all groups currently relying on such methods. It is abundantly clear that the majority of the victims of armed violence in Chechnya are civilians. We therefore believe that military methods, such as artillery fire, aerial bombings, landmines and roadside explosive devices should not be employed in civilian areas and limited as much as possible elsewhere.
• an immediate end to discrimination against, and persecution of, ethnic Chechens and members of other North Caucasus minorities on the territory of the Russian Federation.
• unfettered and safe access for humanitarian aid groups to Chechnya, whether they are private humanitarian organizations or multilateral agencies.
• continued and increased donor support for humanitarian aid, recovery and development efforts in Chechnya.
• asylum for Chechen refugees fleeing persecution in countries where they seek protection as well as fair procedures and legal assistance for Chechen asylum-seekers.

For the future we advocate:

• a political and constitutional framework that allows the residents of Chechnya to live peaceful and productive lives, protects their individual and community rights, enables them to participate in a meaningful way in political decision-making and guarantees their safety and dignity.
• a comprehensive effort to fully rebuild the infrastructure, housing and economy of Chechnya, with international participation to ensure a speedy recovery through increased resources and expertise.
• a comprehensive effort to address the human dimension of post-war rehabilitation, e.g. psychological counseling, health care and care for invalids, schooling and job training, poverty reduction etc.
• a long-term program for political reform, free media, the rule of law and good governance, and the fight against corruption, with.
• a voluntary return program for Chechen exiles, giving them an opportunity to use skills acquired abroad to rebuild their communities.

As an organization, we aspire to achieve the following:

• a broad, diverse and active base of members and supporters all over the United States who share our concern for Chechnya and our goals.
• a professionally organized and operated organization with strong relationships with partners in the non-profit, government and academic fields
• a range of program activities in the areas of awareness and advocacy as well as targeted humanitarian and rehabilitation aid.
• a strong and open hub for the growing Chechen diaspora.

Hunger, desperate poverty, people living in bombed-out ruins and squalid camps, landmines causing daily casualties, widespread health problems and a whole generation growing up without adequate schooling...
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