Statement by the ICPC about the forced conscription of Circassian civilians into the Russian military

In Kabarda alone, Russian authorities reportedly aim to forcibly recruit no fewer than 3,500 men. Disturbing testimonies have also emerged, including that of a mother whose son disappeared from his university campus, only for the family to receive notification two weeks later that he had been killed in Ukraine. She alleges that he was abducted by Russian recruitment officers and sent to the battlefield without his consent.

For the overwhelming majority of Circassians, leaving the Russian Federation is not a realistic option. Many find themselves effectively trapped, vulnerable to forced conscription and deprived of meaningful legal protection. Any attempt to resist these practices or challenge those responsible is frequently prosecuted under accusations of "extremism" or "terrorism," leaving the population with virtually no lawful means to defend their fundamental rights.

As a nation that survived genocide, mass expulsion, and the enduring consequences of imperial conquest, the Circassian people cannot be expected to place the protection of Russian imperial claims of sovereignty above our own struggle for survival. Our foremost responsibility is, and will always remain, the preservation of the Circassian people, the protection of our human dignity, and the defense of our fundamental right to exist.

We further warn that the continued exploitation of the peoples of the North Caucasus, including the Circassians, as expendable manpower in this war serves only to prolong human suffering and deepen divisions between nations that are themselves victims of Russian military aggression.

Accordingly, the International Circassian Political Committee calls upon:

- The United Nations to closely monitor these reports and initiate an independent investigation into allegations of forced conscription and related human rights violations.

- The Circassian republics in the Caucasus to take serious and efficient measures to protect our people and youth in our homeland against these aggressive, illegal and colonial actions that Russia is applying on Circassian people

- International human rights organizations to document these abuses and dispatch fact-finding missions concerning the treatment of Circassians and other indigenous peoples in the North Caucasus.

- Circassian organizations all over the world to resist Russia’s colonial policies and actions targeting Circassian people, in all manners and possible paths, and to have collaboration with the international human rights organizations to find an efficient solution for this issue.

- The international community to take a principled stand against any practice that coerces individuals into armed conflict against their will and to provide meaningful protection for those subjected to such violations.

The Circassian people have already paid an immeasurable price through war, genocide, forced displacement. We refuse to see our people once again sacrificed in a conflict that neither represents our aspirations nor serves our future.

Our struggle remains one for justice, human dignity, fundamental rights, and the survival of the Circassian nation.

Worapsow Circassia!

International Circassian Political Committee (ICPC)