It was on May 18, 1944 that the Deportation of the Crimean Tatars began (during the main wave of deportations on May 18-20 – 180,014 people were deported).

Once again, the occupying authorities in Crimea directed their repressive machine against the Crimean Tatars: conducting searches, illegal detentions, imprisoning representatives of the Crimean Tatar people for political reasons, and forbidding the commemoration of memorable dates.

It is important to know our common history and to remember the crimes committed by the Soviet government. That is why, if you are a teacher or an employee of a youth center, we urge you to hold a special class-hour on this day dedicated to the Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Crimean Tatar People Genocide.