21 November 2011, 21:00
Participants of "Circassian Day" at European Parliament sign declaration on Circassians' national rights
Within the Sixth Day of Circassian Culture, held on November 7 at the European Parliament, a declaration on national rights of Circassians was adopted.
The "Declaration on self-determination and statehood of indigenous Circassian people: nation in exile" was read out on November 7 by members of the Circassian Diaspora. The declaration appeals to the UN, EU, Russia and the international community asking them to support and defend the rights of Circassians within the UN Charter, Declarations "On Human Rights" and "On the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" and all other international laws, instruments, covenants, mandates, declarations and treaties, the "Natpress" reports.
The document presents the history of events that Circassians faced during the Caucasus War of the 18th-19th centuries. According to the declaration, Circassians also indicate that they – being a nation – have the right not be subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.
"Circassians demand provision of efficient mechanisms to prevent against and render legal protection from any action aimed at or resulting in deprivation of the their nation of integrity, their lands, territory or resources, any form of forced resettlement of population, any form of forced assimilation or integration, and any form of propaganda aimed at promoting or inciting racial or ethnic discrimination directed against them," says the document.
