Dzhambulat Suleimanov: I call for recognition of the Circassian genocide!

Dear conference participants, Today we speak of a tragedy that the world ignored for many years. The genocide of the Circassian people in the 19th century was one of the greatest crimes of the Russian Empire. Many were killed, and most Circassians were forced to flee their homeland. This violence was repeated elsewhere: against Chechens during the Caucasian War and in 1944, during the two Chechen wars, during the Holodomor against Ukrainians, and during the occupation of Lithuania and the Baltic states. All these crimes reflect the same concept: to deprive nations of their right to exist. These tragedies occurred because the world remained silent. Without recognition, there is no accountability. And without accountability, crimes can be repeated. This is why historical truth is so important. Ukraine has already recognised the genocide of the Circassian people and the occupation of Chechnya. This was a courageous and moral decision. Today, I appeal to the Lithuanian Parliament to do the same: recognise the genocide of the Circassian people and the occupation of Chechnya. This will uphold justice, strengthen international law, and demonstrate solidarity with the nations that suffered. Thank you.