Chechens as Refugees

Abstract

Renewed conflict in Chechnya since 1999 has resulted in a large continuous outflow of refugees, to neighboring Russian republics and other countries abroad. Chechens claim that up to one-quarter of the population has now fled their homeland, and continue to leave. The bulk of these refugees are residing in various EU¹ countries, while very few Chechen refugees live in the United States.² There are significant differences in refugee policies across European countries, so Chechens have had to make difficult choices when leaving their homeland to locate safety and adequate living conditions in another country.