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 The BBC's Alix Kroeger"Mrs Robinson's planed visit was always going to be controversial"  real 28k  Mary Robinson, UN Commissioner for Human Rights"We do want those responsible for gross violations punished"  real 28kPaul Andersonexamines the pressure mounting on Russia real 28k |
The former Irish president, who visits the republic on Sunday, said the violations were "so consistent and so serious" that Russia had to take action.
Mrs Robinson was speaking after being mobbed by refugees at a camp in Ingushetia on Chechnya's western border.
It's not one or two, it is so consistent and so serious  |
Mary Robinson
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Mrs Robinson said she realised that Chechen fighters had also been involved in violence against civilians, but attacked what she called the disproportionate Russian response.
"The most important step is that there is a full ownership and responsibility of the Russian authorities, and a truly credible response to the scale and repetition of violations," she said.
"It's not one or two, it is so consistent and so serious."
 Refugees told Mrs Robinson of their anger and frustration
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She said those accused of human rights abuses should face trial.
Human rights pressure groups have alleged that Russian forces raped, tortured and executed Chechen civilians.
Some of the worst reports have come from the Chernokozovo detention centre, which Mrs Robinson is scheduled to visit.
Execution threat
If the exchange is not made by 5 April at 8am, the nine Russian prisoners will be shot |
Rebel spokesman, Movladi Udugov
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As Mrs Robinson was meeting refugees in Ingushetia, Chechen rebel commanders demanded that Budanov be exchanged for nine prisoners of war, who were said to have been captured during an ambush of police commandos on Wednesday.
"If the exchange is not made by 5 April at 8am, the nine Russian prisoners will be shot," said rebel spokesman, Movladi Udugov.
 General Shpigun: Disappeared last year
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A lone survivor was found along with the dead but six more servicemen are still missing.
Four soldiers were killed immediately, and six managed to escape the attack and return to their base.
Nineteen of the bodies found on Saturday were taken back with the Russians, but 13 others had to be left behind because they had been rigged with mines, Russia's Interior Ministry said.
Kidnapped general
In another development, Interfax reported that the body of a man thought to be the kidnapped Russian general, Gennady Shpigun, had been found in Chechnya.
It said the body has been taken to a Russian military base in Mozdok, North Ossetia, for identification.
General Shpigun was abducted in March last year from Grozny airport.
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