which failed to consider amendments to the draft law, “On Education in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria” regarding the status of the Circassian language. This failure of consideration came despite many public assurances from leaders of the Parliament to take these amendments into consideration.
The decision by certain Members of the Parliament of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria infringes on the constitutional rights of children of the republic to study in their native languages. This decision represents an historic act of repression of native languages, and will forever remain a part of the public record of these Members of Parliament.
For the sake of the children of the republic—for whom education and knowledge of their mother tongue is of vital importance, we appeal to the Members of Parliament of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria to amend this draft bill and correct this potentially fatal error.
International Committee for Protection of the Circassian Language
Andzor Yemkujev, Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
Ali Bgana, Maykop, Adygeya, Russia
Zarimok Shardan, Cherkesk, Karachaevo-Cherkessia, Russia
Aida Gergova, Moscow, Russia
Zaki Abida, Istanbul, Turkey
Jonty Yamisha, New Jersey, USA
Nawriz Pshidatok, Amman, Jordan
Adnan Orkij, Kfar-Kama, Israel
Nart Abzakh, Damascus, Syria
Walid Hakuz, Toronto, Canada
Cengiz Deniz, Berlin, Germany
Wajdi Naj, Dubai, UAE
Blan Jalouqa, The Hague, Netherlands
Kuban Hatukay, Brussels, Belgium
Morris Hakuz, Sydney, Australia
13.03.2014