Target: Russian Federal Migratory Service

Goal: Stop the abuse and marginal treatment of asylum seekers in Russia.

Many refugees from Africa seeking political asylum choose to flee to Russia because of the easy application process for tourist visas.  But upon arriving in the country, asylum seekers realize they have become a victim in yet another oppressive regime.  Russian immigration authorities have set up remote centers where these migrants are kept in poor conditions without proper nutrition and medication.  Tell the Russian government to stop these crimes against people who have already suffered enough.

First, Sweden was criticized for deporting Syrian asylum seekers from their country.  Then, evidence of organ trafficking and abuse of refugees was discovered in Egypt.  How badly do asylum seekers, who have already fled their home country from persecution, have to suffer?  Russia may have hit a new low with their racist-fueled mistreatment of  Africans seeking asylum in their country.  Upon arriving in Russia and applying for asylum, migrants are sent to a remote shanty-town in the northern Ural mountains.  There they find lodging in dilapidated mobile homes that are filled with holes and water damage.  The camp is 30 minutes from the town where jobs are hard to come by.  Migrants reported being stuffed in the trunk when they are driven to their court hearings, which take place in a town 100kms away.

At the camp, the refugees are beaten to the point of serious physical injury.  They are also deprived of proper nutrition and medicine; standard meals consist of bread and water and the testimony of one occupant claims that a roommate was not given medication for his diabetes and died soon afterwards.  Guards at the camp were also heard yelling Nazi slogans and other racist insults at migrants living there.  Russia’s former immigration spokesperson was fired after his comments claiming that it was Russia’s priority to preserve the white race.

These disgusting human rights abuses are unacceptable.  These racist policies of abuse and marginalization must be addressed and stopped immediately.  Let the Russian government know that political refugees should be treated with kindness and respect.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Colonel-General Konstantin Romodanovsky, head of the Federal Migratory Service,

The conditions at the camp for migrants, political refugees and asylum seekers in Ochyor are despicable.  These asylum seekers are fleeing their home countries where they have been persecuted just to be placed in a camp where they are beaten, verbally abused and nearly starved.  The mobile homes you have them living in are full of holes and leak water.  Occupants have reported being beaten to they point of serious injury and deprived of proper medication.  For dinner, they are given bread and water or just simply boiling water.  Perhaps most disturbing is the racism driving these actions.  Camp guards shouted Nazi slogans and other racist slurs at African refugees.

With all the political turmoil in Africa and other parts of the world, it is commendable that Russia has opened its borders and doors to asylum seekers.  But if you are going to allow them in, give them them the freedom and respect they deserve.  Please reconsider your immigration policy and stop marginalizing asylum seekers.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Will Go Here]

http://forcechange.com/9679/stop-abuse-and-racism-against-asylum-seekers-in-russia/