HL Deb 09 March 2004 vol 658 cc155-6WA
Lord Russell-Johnston

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have a policy regarding refugees from the Chechen wars seeking political asylum. [HL1430]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

Chechnya is regarded as an integral part of the Russian Federation. Applications from those (including Chechens) seeking asylum as a result of the conflict in Chechnya are considered individually on their merits, in accordance with our obligations under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention (UNRC). Full account is taken of objective country information about the situation for Chechens including the ability of the individual concerned to reside in other parts of the Russian Federation.