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Out of Chechnya - 2000

The first Chechen war of the early nineteen nineties left the city of Groznyy in complete ruins and most of the population homeless. Many people fled the 50 miles into the neighboring Republic of Ingushetia where they have lived ever since in make-shift camps - tents, a train, even a cattle shed have become home. Those who stayed behind have endured more bombing now the second war is under way, and live with constant fear, but in spite of the difficult circumstances they have begun to repair the damage. Russia wants to keep control of Chechnya because it is rich in oil and gas - the Chechens want their independence. I was moved by the way people carried on with their lives despite the desperate situation. The work is part of a project I have been working on, which looks at the situation of women at times of war and conflict.