Elchin Adzinba: ‘Abkhazia and the Abkhazian people are always in my heart’

During the 18th Session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva, Elchin Adzinba, Assistant Professor at Adnan Menderes University (Türkiye) and a member of the Abkhaz diaspora, raised several key issues related to the rights of citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia and the international isolation of the country. In her statement, she emphasised the urgent need for humanitarian mechanisms to protect basic rights, and called on UN member states to seek practical solutions to the problem of non-recognition of Abkhazian documents.

Her participation at the Forum was also marked by an incident in which she was threatened by individuals identifying themselves as representatives of a Georgian group, prompting support from other forum participants and a report to UN officials.

In this interview with OKNO, Adzinba speaks about the significance of the Forum, the reaction of participants to her speech, the challenges of advocating for Abkhazia internationally, and her views on future prospects for protecting the rights of Abkhazian citizens.

OKNO: Elchin, could you tell us about your work with KAFFED [Federation of the Caucasian Associations in Türkiye]*?

Elchin Adzinba: I don’t hold an active position in KAFFED. I am simply an academic member of KAFFED’s Abkhazia Working Group. In Türkiye I work as an assistant professor at a state university, specialising in international relations. KAFFED supported me in the process of accreditation at the UN, and I represented the organisation at the UN meeting.

O: What does the opportunity to speak on such an international platform mean to you personally?

E.A.: I already spoke at a UN session in 2023. Back then, I also raised the issues of recognising documents issued in Abkhazia, and the need to restore maritime links between Trabzon and Sukhum.

Abkhazia holds a very important place in my life, including in my academic research. From 2013 to 2019, I lived in Abkhazia and worked at the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President (of the Republic of Abkhazia – editor). For family and academic reasons, I am currently in Türkiye. But Abkhazia and the Abkhazian people are always in my heart. I have dedicated my life to the independence of Abkhazia and the freedom of my people.

So speaking at a platform like the UN and conveying the voice of my people is incredibly meaningful for me. And not only at the UN – on every academic and political platform where I am present, I defend Abkhazia, and I will continue to do so.

When I see people online thanking me or praying for me, I literally get goosebumps. In reality, it is the Abkhazian people themselves who deserve gratitude.

O: How did you end up at this forum? Has KAFFED previously participated, and what has been your personal experience?

E.A.: In 2023, I also participated on behalf of KAFFED. The network of contacts I developed then made my participation this year stronger and more effective.

The only thing that saddens me is that while many peoples are represented at the forum by several participants, including stateless peoples, the Abkhazian people have so far been represented only by me. Some may find that a source of pride, but for me it brings deep sadness.

Every year – and not only at this forum, but on other UN platforms – we must participate, using all the opportunities of diplomacy and diaspora institutions. I will do everything I can to ensure our continued presence.

O: Citizens of Abkhazia don’t have access to such platforms, so it is crucial that you raise the issue of systematic and ongoing violations of their rights, including the non-recognition of Abkhazian documents. Do you see prospects for resolving this problem? What steps are needed from Abkhazia?

E.A.: This situation is an obvious violation of human rights. And I still find it hard to understand how the world can remain silent in the face of such injustice. Honestly, I often criticise the UN and its structures in my academic work. But despite that, for us Abkhazians, the opportunity to be heard on international platforms is extremely important. And the UN, with all its shortcomings, remains one of the most effective tools for achieving that.

Unfortunately, today we live in an “age of spectacle”. The world pays attention not to those who suffer the greatest injustice, but to those who shout the loudest. Perhaps change will not come immediately, but I believe that with increasing international visibility, this problem can be resolved. There are precedents in which similar situations have found solutions. These human rights violations must end as soon as possible.

O: How important is participation in such forums, and what should it lead to?

E.A.: I believe it is very important. Specifically at this forum, what matters is not only the speech itself, but that your text is included in official UN reports. Inclusion in those documents is sometimes even more important than the public part of the speech.

In addition, participation at such a forum provides opportunities for personal contact not only with UN representatives, but with various organisations and NGOs. This plays an important role from a lobbying perspective. For example, I prepared and submitted analytical materials about Abkhazia to individuals and structures whom it would be impossible to reach under normal circumstances.

Such platforms open these opportunities.

Political struggle will be incomplete if it remains confined to diplomatic tables. Academic activity, civil society work, and media support must accompany diplomatic efforts without contradicting them.

O: We heard about a negative reaction from Georgian representatives, including threats. Could you tell us more about this?

E.A.: Yes, unfortunately. This time I travelled to Geneva completely alone – entirely through my own efforts and financial means. In 2023, I had colleagues with me, another KAFFED representative, and my seven-month-old child.

After the first day of the forum, when I was walking in the evening in Geneva, two men approached me. They said they knew who I was, that they were “Georgian mafia”, and that I should be more careful with my statements.

The next day, when I was to speak in the UN hall, Georgian representatives sat directly behind me to create pressure. This is visible in the video of my speech. But many good people supported me: including UNPO Secretary General Merce Monhe Cano and other participants, they came and sat next to me, in front of me, and behind me.

During his speech, the Georgian representative later took the floor and said that he wanted to respond personally to me. When he began repeating the usual set of lies, I simply left the hall.

We reported the incident with the threats to the UN secretariat and the relevant structures, with the support of those who were present. Legal and procedural matters are now being handled by specialists in Geneva.

Of course, it is an unpleasant situation. But personally, I don’t feel fear or discomfort. I have only one life, given by God, and I have already dedicated it to my people.

However, this incident showed me that there are wonderful people in the world who always stand on the side of truth – wherever it happens. When you tell the story of Abkhazia and demonstrate your position, you are not alone. There is still hope in the world!

O: Is there any cooperation between KAFFED and the state structures of the Republic of Abkhazia, for example the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

E.A.: Not on an institutional level between KAFFED and the Abkhazian government. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia personally reached out to me. During the situation with the threats, they showed significant attention and provided me support. Apart from the ministry, I currently have no contact with other state structures.

O: Were there questions or comments from experts or other participants after your speech?

E.A.: Yes, I spoke with many people. And I noticed something important: especially those academics, experts, and NGO representatives who know the region well fully understand the legitimacy of Abkhazia’s position and the scale of human rights violations against Abkhazians. And many sincerely welcome the fact that the Abkhazian voice is finally being heard at the UN.

This once again shows that at all levels we must explain our position and counter Georgian propaganda.

*KAFFED (Kafkas Dernekleri Federasyonu) – Federation of Caucasian Associations in Türkiye. Founded in 2003, it unites dozens of Circassian, Abkhaz and Adyghe diaspora organisations across Türkiye. It works to preserve cultural heritage, conducts human rights and public initiatives, and supports diaspora communities and ties with the historical homeland.