Between 1994 and 2001, the North Caucasus region of southern Russia was torn apart by the First and Second Chechen Wars. An estimated 300,000 people in Chechnya fled their homes, many seeking safety in the neighbouring republics of Ingushetia and Dagestan. Today, the region struggles with those consequences and tensions remain high, compounded by poverty and marginalisation.

The International Rescue Committee began working in the North Caucasus during the First Chechen War and responded again following the start of the second. Programmes initially concentrated on emergency aid to those displaced by the conflict in Ingushetia and Dagestan. With the continuing relative stability in Chechnya the IRC has launched projects which support people to return and resettle.

In Chechnya and Dagestan we have supported individual small farmers and agricultural producer associations to reach new markets to drive economic recovery in their communities. In Chechnya we have also been working to ensure returnees have shelter and water while vocational training has helped people get back to work.

Across our programmes in the North Caucasus, the IRC has partnered with local civil society organisations to help them strengthen and sustain their work: a vital part of long-term recovery and lasting peace and stability.