Recognition of Genocide 2022-12-13
2022-12-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's stance on recognising certain historical events as genocide, specifically the Holodomor in Ukraine and the 1915-16 Armenian events.
If the Government will take steps to recognise (a) the Holodomor and (b) the events of 1915-16 in Armenia as genocide. November's Holodomor Memorial Day resonates strongly this year given Putin's actions in Ukraine, while every March the Armenian diaspora commemorates over a million systematic exterminations over eight years. Given US recognition of both, why can't the UK?
Our consistent view is that genocide recognition should be a matter for judicial bodies rather than Governments. While we acknowledge these historical tragedies, there are no plans to change our stance on recognising them as genocide.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided committing to recognise the events as genocide or providing reasons beyond the consistent view that judicial bodies should make such determinations.
Our Consistent View Across Successive Governments—Not Just This One—Is That The Recognition Of Genocide Is A Matter For Judicial Bodies, Not Governments.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the UK's stance on recognising certain historical events as genocide, specifically the Holodomor in Ukraine and the 1915-16 Armenian events.
November's Holodomor Memorial Day to remember Stalin's enforced starvation of millions of Ukrainians with the intended purpose of wiping out their entire culture and society particularly resonated in this 90th year, given what Putin is doing at the moment in that country. Every March, the Armenian diaspora solemnly commemorates the systematic extermination of more than 1 million of their forebears over an eight-year period, and there is also trouble in that region now in Nagorno-Karabakh. Our closest ally, the US, recognises both of these as genocide. Given the painful reverberations today, why can't we?
As I have said, our consistent view across successive Governments—not just this one—is that the recognition of genocide is a matter for judicial bodies, not Governments. However, we take allegations seriously and work hard to end violations of international human rights law.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided committing to recognise the events as genocide or providing reasons beyond the consistent view that judicial bodies should make such determinations.
As I Have Said, Our Consistent View Across Successive Governments—Not Just This One—Is That The Recognition Of Genocide Is A Matter For Judicial Bodies, Not Governments.
Response accuracy