The Northern Caucasus — a region on the southern border of the Russian Federation which includes the republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan — was torn apart by the First and Second Chechen Wars between 1994 and 2001. An estimated 300,000 people in Chechnya were forced to flee, many seeking safety in neighboring Ingushetia and Dagestan. Although a fragile peace is in place, the region is plagued by instability fuelled by ethnic tensions and violence between armed groups and authorities. Recovery challenges remain immense as the region struggles with corruption, human rights abuses and terrible poverty. 

How We Help

The IRC was active in the Northern Caucasus during the First Chechen War in 1994, and returned at the start of the Second Chechen War in December 1999, responding with shelter, water, sanitation and education for thousands displaced by the renewed conflict. We are now assisting people re-building their lives after the conflict - supporting shelter, water and sanitation, community development, economic recovery and the growth of a strong and vibrant civil society.  Partnership is central to this work and IRC works with a wide range of local non-governmental organizations, community groups and government agencies through our programs.
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