To represent our AHISKA HOMELAND CAUSE and highlight the challenges faced by Ahıska Turks worldwide, DATÜB is participating this week in the United Nations 18th Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva, Switzerland.
Our first official meeting took place with UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Nicolas Levrat. He stated that he is familiar with the issues Ahıska Turks face but mentioned that we are often referred to as “Meskhetian.” We clarified by saying:
“No, we are Turks. Since we come from the city of Ahıska and its surrounding region in Georgia, we identify ourselves as Ahıska Turks.”
We then provided a detailed introduction and conveyed our concerns.
Mr. Levrat expressed his pleasure in meeting us and affirmed that he will refer to our community as Ahıska Turks from now on. He also stated that he could prepare a report on Georgia regarding the issue and suggested working together moving forward.
Together with DATÜB European Representative BüÅŸra ÖzkoÅŸar and Deputy Chairman of the Return to Homeland Commission Burhan ÖzkoÅŸar, we continue to actively participate in meetings at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
We remain committed to being the voice of Ahıska Turks and bringing our rightful cause to the global stage.