Circassian activists treat measures of state support for compatriots as insufficient

When moving to Russia, Circassians, who are citizens of Syria, face difficulties with finding jobs and accommodations, since they do not fall under the status of compatriots. This opinion was voiced by activists questioned by the "Caucasian Knot".

According to Olga Efendieva-Begret, a co-founder of the public organization "Ochag" (Hearth), her NGO organize actions of assistance to compatriots from Syria almost every month.

At present, the following actions are underway: "Buy a Circassian calendar help your compatriots" and "Buy a book help your compatriots". Proceeds from the sales will be allocated for opening of the Centre for adaptation of repatriates in Nalchik.

Compatriots, who arrive in Kabardino-Balkaria and whose number reaches about 1000 people, have to rent rooms in sanatoria or apartments.

Besides, owners of rented apartments often refuse to register repatriates in the apartments.

In general, those problems are not so sharp; however, accommodation is still the primary problem for displaced persons. This was stated by Asker Sokht, the deputy head of the "Adyge Khase" for the Krasnodar Territory.

Besides, Syrian immigrants usually do not know the Russian language, and they face difficulties in finding job in short time.

Asker Sokht has also emphasized that Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR) have government commissions on integration of refugees which try to solve their problems, including the problem with accommodation.

Ibragim Yaganov, the leader of the Kabardino-Balkarian public organization "Khase", believes that the Russian authorities should take care of all the issues to provide Syrian Circassians with accommodation, education, and health services.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.