The campaign for recognition of the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian Genocide by the Parliament of Victoria has received increased momentum with multicultural and religious communities in the State publicly expressing support for Genocide recognition.
The Australian Sikh Council has written to Victorian Members of Parliament calling upon them to support a motion in Parliament that will recognise the Genocide.
On behalf of the Australian Sikh Council, Harkirat Singh notes in the letter:
“This was an undeniable attempt by the Ottoman Turks to completely wipe out three distinct ethnic groups… a view widely supported by scholars, academics and foundations, who argue that this constitutes genocide…. These losses are all compounded by the fact that their new home refuses to recognise the true reality of their history…
We believe it is time to stand with the Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks who live in Victoria and have been waiting for so many years for their history to be recognised.”
On behalf of the Joint Justice Initiative, a coalition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities, Dean Kalimniou expressed his thanks to the Australian Sikh Council, stating that it is not surprising that more and more ethnic and religious groups in Victoria are joining the call for recognition of the Genocide.
“This proves that this issue goes beyond history and internecine strife. It has nothing to do with fomenting division and everything to do with human rights, international law, honesty and decency, something which our politicians are now beginning to realise,” he said.
