Throughout the Russian federation, the torture or ill-treatment of women, men and children in custody is virtually routine. Conditions in the country's disease-ridden and overcrowded pre-trial detention centres are generally so appalling that they amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In the context of the conflict in Chechnya, there have been widespread and credible reports of attacks against civilians, rape and other forms of torture, 'disappearances' and extrajudicial executions by Russian forces. This report highlights the lack of accountability for the perpetrators of these abuses - Amnesty International believes this is a major factor contributing to their persistence. The report also emphasizes the obstacles faced by victims - particularly women, children and members of ethnic or national minorities - in obtaining redress, and the measures required to enable them to se justice done.The publication of this report coincides with the launch of a major worldwide campaign by Amnesty International on human rights in the Russian Federation. The campaign seeks to highlight the discrepancy between the human rights protection which those living in Russia have in international law and national law, and the reality of widespread human rights abuses committed in a climate of impunity. Amnesty International members around the world will be urging the government to live up to its obligations to protect, respect, ensure and promote human rights so that there is justice for everybody.