The ADC has condemned news reports that concentration camps for gays have been established in Chechnya and that LGBTI people have been arrested, beaten and murdered. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop issued a statement that read, “The Australian government is concerned at reports of mass arrests of individuals in the Republic of Chechnya in the Russian Federation due to their perceived or actual sexual orientation. We have raised our concerns directly with the Russian government. We are seeking advice from the Russian government on whether any Australians are involved so that we can offer appropriate consular assistance.”
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC issued the following statement:
“We decry in the strongest possible terms the reports that the LGBTI community is being targeted and singled out in such a reprehensible and chilling manner. It will take more than words to fight this explosion of hatred. We urge the Australian government, and the international community, not to be bystanders and to immediately take measures to stop this campaign of persecution, violence and murder, and to impose sanctions if this horrific practise does not cease. Who would have thought that more than 70 years after the brutal and systematic extermination of millions in the Nazi concentration camps, that we would hear of people being rounded up and placed in camps simply because of who they are? ‘Never Again’ means that that governments and civil society must raise their collective voice and act against this heartbreaking injustice. We hope that the perpetrators of these crimes are dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”
The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.