Central Asian labour migrants in Russia have faced a surge in xenophobic harassment and violence since the Crocus City Hall attack on March 22, 2024, which was linked to migrants from the region. The situation has grown dire, as authorities have intensified racist rhetoric, leading to not only social hostility but also systemic abuses against these communities.
A new Human Rights Watch report titled “Living in Fear and Humiliation” outlines how migrants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan are subjected to ethnic profiling, arbitrary arrests, and police harassment. Off the streets, far-right groups threaten their safety, and restrictive laws have created additional barriers to their livelihoods, sparking a climate of intimidation and uncertainty among these workers.
Approximately 3.3 million migrants are relied upon in the Russian economy, particularly in manual labour sectors. However, the emergence of ultranationalist groups since the onset of the Ukraine conflict has amplified their struggles. The tragic attack at Crocus City Hall, which resulted in 144 deaths, has unfortunately been used as a justification for collective punishment against Central Asians.
The aftermath of the Crocus incident saw Russian officials detaining multiple suspects, sparking allegations of torture being publicised through state media. Legislative amendments further stripped many migrants of their rights, enabling swift expulsions and creating obstacles in accessing essential services such as banking due to bureaucratic issues.
New educational laws mandating language proficiency for foreign children have legitimised existing discriminatory practices against Central Asian youth. Further sectors have been closed to them, leading to economic disenfranchisement and crippling their ability to integrate into society.
Moreover, the conflict context has led to arbitrary military recruitment targeting migrant populations, coercing individuals into enlistment through the threat of detention and deportation. Reports indicate that Chinese and Central Asian migrants are often manipulated, threatening their security to serve the state.
Xenophobic violence remains rampant, with numerous documented assaults against Central Asian migrants instigated by extremist groups and downplayed by law enforcement under broad charges rather than targeted hate crimes. Consequently, discrepancies in how the law is applied reflect a systematic bias against these communities.
To address these pressing issues, Human Rights Watch recommends Russia adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards xenophobia, re-ensures migrant rights, and calls for international pressure on Russia from the United Nations and Central Asian governments to reassess their approaches to migrants.
In conclusion, the plight of Central Asian migrants in Russia highlights the urgent need for both legal protection and humane treatment. As they contribute significantly to the Russian economy, recognizing their rights and welfare is critical for fostering an inclusive society and ensuring their safety amidst rising tensions.
Central Asian migrants in Russia are facing heightened xenophobic harassment and violence since the Crocus City Hall attack in March 2024. A Human Rights Watch report details ethnic profiling, police brutality, and new restrictive legislation threatening their rights and livelihoods. The changing socio-political landscape exacerbates these issues, calling for urgent legal and humanitarian reforms to protect migrant rights in Russia.
In essence, the report by Human Rights Watch sheds light on the perilous conditions faced by Central Asian migrants in Russia, exacerbated by xenophobic sentiments and systemic violence. It underscores the responsibility of Russian authorities to protect these workers, enforce existing legal frameworks against hate crimes, and take proactive measures to uphold the rights of migrants. International cooperation and dialogue are critically needed to foster an environment free from discrimination and danger for these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
