Contact Admin. Ethnic grievances, exclusionary historical narratives and competition over land and decision-making fuel tensions in a number of multi-ethnic republics in the North Caucasus, especially Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria and Stavropol Krai.
These unresolved tensions are already causing hate crimes, protests and clashes. With the recent revival of national movements, changes in the political party law and the return of elections of regional leaders, they could lead to further ethnic unrest.
The high court has ordered that the imminent deportation to Sri Lanka of a number of Tamils be halted amid claims they may be tortured on their return.
Three solicitors' firms have confirmed to the Guardian that a number of their clients had been given last-minute reprieves and would no longer be flown out of the country on a specially chartered UK Border Agency UKBA flight that was expected to be leave on Tuesday afternoon.
It is understood that a further 10 to 12 firms have also lodged last-minute appeals on behalf of their clients. Force should never be used to effect the removal of pregnant women or of children. It should only ever be used in relation to such vulnerable groups in order to prevent harm. At the point of initial arrest parents should have adequate time to prepare themselves and their children for their journey, and UKBA teams should conduct the arrest as sensitively, calmly and quietly as possible.
