PRESS RELEASE: 2025/06
12 August 2025
Visit to Lithuania
A delegation from the Council of United Circassia visited Lithuania between August 2 and 10, 2025. The visit, which was a continuation of the contacts initiated by Council President Kasey Kik last year, brought together a delegation consisting of Fatima Kardan, Dr. Mustafa Canbek, Rustam Khuazev, and Dr. Orhan Barsik with Lithuanian politicians, academics, and some government officials. During the meetings, the history and scope of the Circassian Genocide were discussed, along with findings that Russia continues to systematically perpetrate this genocide to this day. The delegation requested Lithuania’s support for the international recognition of the Circassian people and the establishment of justice, and received positive responses from Lithuanian politicians indicating their openness to dialogue.
The meetings addressed the mass killings, deportations, starvation, and disease policies that took place during the occupation of Circassia in the 19th century, as well as the denial of the right of return, revocation of citizenship, unsolved murders, oppression, and Russification policies that continue today. The Council emphasized that international recognition of the Circassian Genocide is of great importance not only for the Circassian people but also in terms of human rights and historical justice. The similarities between Lithuanian and Circassian history were highlighted, and it was stated that the Lithuanian people's sensitivity to freedom and democracy could play an important role in this process.
The Council delegation recalled the decision of the Ukrainian Parliament on January 9, 2025, to recognize the Circassian Genocide and expressed their hope that the Lithuanian Parliament Seimas would take a similar step. Emphasizing the importance of informing the public before the Circassian Genocide is brought to the Lithuanian agenda, the delegation stated that the active role of Lithuanian academics, journalists, and politicians in this process would both support the Circassian people's struggle and strengthen Lithuania's global reputation in the field of human rights.