About this study:

Since 2003, asylum seekers from the Russian Federation (presumed to be primarily of Chechen origin) have become one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in Europe. The majoritiy of this group is entering Europa via Poland and is therefore heavily affected by the Dublin-II Regulation. Many Chechen asylum seekers are forced to apply for asylum in a country they do not intend to live for several reasons, including concerns for their safety.

The treatment of Chechens throughout Europe varies greatly. However, in most European countries, the recognition rate for Chechen refugees has declined significantly in the last years. Voluntary returns and transfers in the framework of the readmission agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation increased. NGOs and Chechen refugee groups have raised concerns about several extradition cases of Chechens to Russia because of the fear that the person to be extradited would be tortured or disappear upon return.

ECRE points in its publication also to the continuation of gross human rights violations in Chechnya.

Author: ECRE