Pavel Astakhov reports to UN experts on absence of violations of children rights in Chechnya

Pavel Astakhov, Russian Commissioner for Children Rights, has reported to the experts of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on the situation of children in Chechnya. He has stated the absence of violations. The assessment of the situation expressed by Pavel Astakhov does not coincide with the earlier expressed opinions of officials and human rights defenders, who paid attention to the lack of places in kindergartens in Chechnya and refusals to let children to stay with their mothers in case of parents' divorce.

"All children in the region are highly motivated to training and development. All children without any exception are involved in sports and creative development, including dancing and singing. In past year, the country has opened 57 sports facilities," the "Interfax" quotes Pavel Astakhov as saying.

According to him, apart from legislative restrictions and prohibitions on involvement of children in armed formations, the authorities should "create social and economic ground to prevent such actions" and "provide jobs for adults."

Let us remind you that, according to Svetlana Gannushkina, Chair of the Committee "Civil Assistance", children rights are often violated in Chechnya, where traditions remain strong and often contradict the law. This human rights defender has mentioned the refusal to let children to stay with their mothers in case of parents' divorce, blood feud, and "honour killings".

In their turn, officials pay attention to the inadequate coverage provided by preschool education system for children in Chechnya. According to the Chechen Ministry of Education, only about 10% of children are enrolled in preschool education system in the republic.