Chechen refugee situation in Vysni Lhoty camp is not critical at all

Statements about "a critical situation bordering on humanitarian disaster" and about gross human rights violations of Chechen refugees in the Vysni Lhoty refugee camp, the Czech Republic, are not true, according to those who are familiar with the current situation in the camp, as well as to the refugees themselves.

"It's not true that asylum seekers are deprived of mobile phones as has been stated by the Chechen media," said a well-informed source. "Nor is the information that their movements are being restricted; asylum seekers can freely move about the camp."

According to information obtained, it seems also untrue that asylum seekers don't get enough food as vegetarian meals for Muslims are available daily and the refugees can also buy more food if they wish. "The main problem is that Chechens are not used to the Czech cuisine and often don't like the meals," explained a former employee of the camp.

According to him, the medical care is also adequate; but the problem lies with not having any female doctors in the camp, which causes difficulties for Muslims.

There did occur problems with the camp's over-crowdedness but they were temporary and caused by a sharp increase of Chechen asylum seekers. Some days up to 200 Chechens (coming from Poland) registered in the camp. And its total capacity is only for 580.

According to the official data provided by the Czech Interior Ministry, since April the number of asylum seekers in the Czech Republic has risen from 600 a month to 900. The main reason is an increase of asylum seekers from Russia, i.e. mostly from Chechnya. And also Chechens have been the largest group in the past months asking for asylum in the Czech Republic.

"The situation might be related to the fact that some Chechen refugees have already paid smugglers for transport to Austria, and therefore they are seriously urging Czech institutions to shorten the registration process in the Vysni Lhoty camp," an expert familiar with these problems said.

Registration, including medical exams and quarantine, usually takes about two or three weeks, during which time refugees are not permitted to leave the camp. After registration, asylum seekers move to refugee camps.