What is genocide?
Genocide is a term used to describe a deliberate and systematic destruction of a particular racial, ethnic, national, or religious group.
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The term “genocide” was first created by the lawyer Rafael Lemkin in 1944 to describe the events in 1915.
The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted in 1948, defines genocide as any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group:
- Killing members of the group
- Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group
- Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part
- Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group
- Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group
Gregory H. Stanton, the President of Genocide Watch, has identified the following 10 stages of genocide:
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- Classification: The first stage involves dividing people into different groups based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or other characteristics.
- Symbolization: The second stage involves giving names, symbols, or other forms of identification to the different groups. These symbols can be used to separate and stigmatize the groups.
- Discrimination: The third stage involves denying basic human rights and opportunities to certain groups. Discrimination can take many forms, such as segregation, unequal treatment under the law, and exclusion from political and economic opportunities.
- Dehumanization: The fourth stage involves portraying the targeted group as subhuman, inferior, or dangerous. This can be done through propaganda, hate speech, and other forms of media.
- Organization: The fifth stage involves the formation of organized groups, such as militias or paramilitary forces, that are specifically targeted at the targeted group.
- Polarization: The sixth stage involves the creation of an “us vs. them” mentality that leads to increased tension and conflict between different groups.
- Preparation: The seventh stage involves the planning and preparation of genocide. This can include the stockpiling of weapons and other resources, as well as the identification and targeting of specific individuals or groups.
- Persecution: The eighth stage involves the widespread persecution of the targeted group. This can include mass killings, forced relocation, and other forms of violence.
- Extermination: The ninth stage involves the actual genocide, or the systematic and intentional destruction of the targeted group.
Denial: The final stage involves the denial of the genocide or attempts to cover it up. This can include the distortion of historical records, the silencing of survivors and witnesses, and the rejection of international recognition of the genocide.
Turkey officially denies the Armenian Genocide.
Instead, Turkey maintains that the Armenian deaths were the result of a civil war, in which Armenians and Turks both suffered casualties.
Why does Turkey deny the Armenian Genocide?
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- National Identity: For many Turks, the denial of the Armenian Genocide is linked to a strong sense of national identity.
- Political and Legal Consequences: Turkey is concerned that acknowledging the Armenian Genocide could lead to political and legal consequences including reparations and restitution.
- Diplomatic Relations: Turkey is concerned about its diplomatic relations with other countries. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by other countries could strain Turkey’s relationships with those countries, potentially leading to economic or political consequences.
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- The governments and parliaments of the following countries have officially recognized the Armenian Genocide:
- Uruguay (1965)
- Russia (1995)
- Greece (1996)
- Lebanon (1997)
- France (1998)
- Belgium (1998)
- Vatican City (2000)
- Italy (2000)
- Switzerland (2003)
- Netherlands (2004)
- Slovakia (2004)
- Canada (2004)
- Lithuania (2005)
- Germany (2005)
- Poland (2005)
- Venezuela (2005)
- Chile (2007)
- Sweden (2010)
- Austria (2015)
- Luxembourg (2015)
- Cyprus (2015)
- Denmark (2015)
- Brazil (2015)
- Paraguay (2015)
- Bolivia (2016)
- Czech Republic (2017)
- Libya (2019)
- Latvia (2021)
- Syria (2021)
- Ireland (2021)
- United Kingdom (2021)
- United States (2021)
- Norway (2021)
- Mexico (2023)
Why’s the Armenian Genocide important and still commemorated today?
- Historical significance: The Armenian Genocide was one of the first modern genocides of the 20th century. It set a precedent for the use of mass violence against civilians on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or nationality.
- Humanitarian impact: The Armenian Genocide resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians, as well as the displacement and forced migration of many others.
- Recognition and justice: The denial of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and others has prevented the recognition and justice that the victims and their descendants deserve. Recognition of the genocide is an important step towards healing, reconciliation, and prevention of future atrocities.
- International law: The Armenian Genocide is a significant case in the development of international law on genocide, crimes against humanity, and human rights. The recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a step towards upholding international law and preventing future violations.
- Cultural heritage: The Armenian Genocide had a significant impact on the cultural heritage of the Armenian people, including the destruction of churches, monuments, and artifacts. Recognition of the genocide is an important step towards preserving and protecting this cultural heritage.
- Artsakh: The people of Artsakh and Armenia face a similar threat and potential ethnic cleansing similar to how Armenians did over a century ago.
