The International Association of Genocide Scholars

Ninth Biennial Conference

July 19th-22nd, 2011.

Buenos Aires, Argentina.

July 22nd, 2001. (1:45PM)

Speech by Iyad Youghar addressing IASG Executive Board proposing a resolution to recognize the Circassian Genocide:

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address the Executive Board.

My name is Iyad Youghar, I am a new member in the association. I’m a Circassian from New Jersey, USA. I am the Chairman of the Circassian International Council and the Circassian Cultural Institute.

Circassians are the indigenous people of Circassia in the Northwest Caucasus Mountains. We have been subject to one of the worst Genocides in human history which started in the 19th century. 90% of our population has been forcibly exiled. More than 65% of us were slaughtered or perished as a result of the exile. All were unarmed civilians.

The effect and facts of the Genocide are still living with Circassians till today. 90% of our nation today lives in exile, not allowed to repatriate to our Motherland.

The planned Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 to be held on Circassian Genocide land will cement all the sad intended consequences of our horrible Genocide.

I propose the possibility of a resolution on this CONTIUING, HIDDEN and FORGOTTEN Circassian Genocide.

On May 20th, 2011 the Georgian Parliament had recognized our Genocide based on Russian Military archives kept in Tbilisi during the Russian war against Circassia.

Thank You