Ingushetia: relocation of Chechens from Alina camp

The closure of Alina camp (Camp A) for displaced Chechens in Ingushetia is continuing. As of yesterday (Monday), 180 people had moved from Alina camp to Satsita camp (Camp C). The authorities have stated that Alina camp residents who do not wish to return to Chechnya at this stage can move to alternative accommodation in Satsita camp or in rehabilitated rooms in temporary settlements. As of Monday, 638 people remained in Alina camp.

Gas, water and electricity supplies are all continuing to operate normally in Alina camp.

UNHCR and Médecins Sans Frontières have been installing new tents in Satsita camp for the relocating families. So far, 54 new tents have been installed, of which 35 have been connected to gas supply and 15 to electricity. Space in Satsita for new tents, however, is becoming scarce. According to MSF, there is room for only five more tents in Satsita. UNHCR will meet with the Migration Department and the Satsita camp administration to try to identify additional space for tent installation. Another relocation option for Alina camp residents is to move to temporary settlements. Twenty rooms have already been rehabilitated and could accommodate 150 to 160 people. The Danish Refugee Council and other groups continue to repair additional rooms.

As of early December, there were nearly 70,000 displaced Chechens in Ingushetia, according to the database of UNHCR's implementing partner the Danish Refugee Council. Some 7,900 were sheltered in tent camps and the remainder in temporary settlements or private accommodation.