Lemkin Institute Statement at the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention would like to call attention to the violation of these minority rights in Uzbekistan with particular reference to the Karakalpak people. [...] In particular, we want to mention two specific fact patterns that exist within the larger framework of the persecution of the Karakalpak people in their indigenous homeland. [...] The first is the official denial of use of the Karakalpak language. [...] Taken as a whole, this form of persecution amounts to a slow – or structural – genocide that is aimed at significantly destroying the Karakalpak group and identity while promoting the growth of the Uzbek group and identity and therefore the claims of the state to permanent control over this region. [...] The Lemkin Institute urges the international community to help shine a light on Karakalpak struggles and take measures to ensure the security and longevity of the Karakalpak language, culture, and identity.