The Dayof Remembranceof the Victims of the Russian-Caucasian Wars is marked today. On May 21, 1864, the Caucasian peoples, including Circassians, Abkhazians and Ubykhs, were defeated in Krasnaya Polyana. Traces of these peoples, their material culture and languages, have in fact disappeared due to the wars and Muhajirism.

In 1864-1877, about 80 000 Abkhazians were forced to leave their homeland. Muhajirism significantly contributed to the demographic problem in Abkhazia, which still remains an important problem for Abkhazians. Victims of Muhajirism became about 150000 Georgian Muslims as well, mainly residents of today’s Autonomous Republic of Adjara and Samtskhe-Javakheti.

The Public Defender honors the memory of the victims of the Caucasian wars. It is necessary to properly analyze these events and their consequences, as well as their impact on present conflicts in order to prevent similar actions in the future. Proper assessment of these events by the governments and the international community, as well as taking active steps for the protection of peoples' rights, will promote peace in the region and restoration of these peoples’ rights.