National Genocide Day

Welcome to the article about National Genocide Day, a day of remembrance and awareness. In this article, we will explore the significance of this day and its historical context. Prepare for an informative and heartfelt journey!

When is Genocide Day?

It's national genocide day on the 24th November.

A Brief History of National Genocide Day

National Genocide Day is a solemn occasion that aims to raise awareness about the devastating effects of genocide throughout history. This day serves as a platform for remembrance, honoring the victims, and reflecting on humanity's capacity for both great evil and resilience in the face of adversity.

The origins of National Genocide Day can be traced back to online discussions and movements that sought to shed light on past atrocities and educate the public about the consequences of genocide. These discussions gained momentum on social media platforms, which provided a space for individuals to share personal stories, commemorate lost loved ones, and advocate for justice.

The overwhelming response and engagement from people worldwide eventually led to the establishment of National Genocide Day. It was first observed on November 24, 2016, a date that marked an important milestone in the collective efforts to remember and learn from the darkest chapters in human history.

Remembering the Past, Educating the Future

On National Genocide Day, individuals and organizations take various actions to promote remembrance and educate the public. Activities range from organizing memorial services and exhibitions to screening documentaries and testimonies from survivors.

This day also serves as a call to action, urging us to recognize the signs of hate, discrimination, and prejudice in our own communities and to actively work towards a more inclusive and accepting society. It encourages discussions about the importance of tolerance, empathy, and the safeguarding of human rights for all.

By shining a light on the horrors of the past, National Genocide Day reminds us of our responsibility to prevent such atrocities from happening again. It underscores the significance of global unity and collective action in the pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation.

History behind the term 'Genocide'

1944

The coinage of the term

In 1944, a Polish lawyer named Raphael Lemkin coined the term 'genocide' from the Greek words 'genos' meaning race or tribe, and 'cide' meaning killing. Lemkin used this term to describe the systematic destruction of a racial or ethnic group. He was deeply influenced by the mass killings of the 20th century, particularly the Holocaust.

1944

Raphael Lemkin coins the term 'genocide'

In 1944, a Polish lawyer named Raphael Lemkin first coined the term 'genocide' by combining the Greek word 'genos' (meaning 'race' or 'tribe') with the Latin word 'cide' (meaning 'killing'). Lemkin developed the term to describe the intentional and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.

1944

Coined by Raphael Lemkin

In 1944, the term 'genocide' was first coined by a Polish legal scholar named Raphael Lemkin. Lemkin combined the Greek word 'genos' meaning 'race' or 'tribe' with the Latin word 'cide' meaning 'killing' to create the term 'genocide'. He defined genocide as the intentional destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.

1948

Inclusion in the United Nations Genocide Convention

Four years after the term was coined, the United Nations included the term 'genocide' in the 'Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.' This convention defined genocide as 'acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.' The inclusion of the term in this international legal instrument marked a significant step forward in acknowledging and combating this grave crime.

1945

Inclusion of 'genocide' in the United Nations Resolution

In 1945, just one year after Raphael Lemkin coined the term, 'genocide' was included in the United Nations Resolution adopted in the aftermath of World War II. This resolution aimed to prevent and punish the crime of genocide and acknowledged that genocide was a crime under international law.

1948

Inclusion in international law

In 1948, the United Nations recognized genocide as a crime under international law. The General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This marked a significant milestone in the global recognition and condemnation of genocidal acts.

1951

Expansion of definitions

In 1951, the United Nations expanded the definition of genocide to include not only acts of killing but also those causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of a targeted group. This expanded definition aimed to address the full range of genocidal acts, such as forced displacement, torture, and psychological trauma.

1948

United Nations adopts the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

In 1948, the United Nations adopted the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This landmark convention defined and criminalized genocide as a punishable crime and established the legal framework for preventing and prosecuting acts of genocide. The convention specified five acts that constitute genocide: killing members, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions leading to physical destruction, imposing measures to prevent births, and forcibly transferring children.

1994

Rwanda Genocide

The tragic events that unfolded in Rwanda in 1994 brought the term 'genocide' to the attention of the world. Over the course of approximately 100 days, an estimated 800,000 people, primarily from the Tutsi ethnic group, were brutally massacred. The Rwandan Genocide serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hate and the urgent need for prevention and intervention.

1994

Rwanda genocide brings global attention to the term

The Rwanda genocide in 1994, where an estimated 800,000 Tutsis were systematically killed by the Hutu majority, brought global attention to the term 'genocide' and its devastating consequences. The United Nations' failure to effectively intervene and prevent the genocide led to increased discussions and efforts in the international community to prevent such atrocities in the future.

1998

International Criminal Court's Jurisdiction

In 1998, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established, with the power to prosecute individuals for genocide, among other crimes. The creation of the ICC marked a significant milestone in international justice, as it provided a permanent court with the authority to hold accountable those responsible for committing acts of genocide. This step aimed to deter future genocidal acts and ensure justice for the victims.

1994

Rwanda Genocide

The 1994 Rwandan Genocide, where approximately 800,000 Tutsi people were killed by ethnic Hutu extremists in just 100 days, served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of genocide. This gruesome event brought international attention to the urgent need for prevention, intervention, and justice in cases of genocide.

1998

International Criminal Court

In 1998, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as a permanent international tribunal to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The establishment of the ICC aimed to provide a pathway for justice and accountability for victims of genocide and to deter future perpetrators.

1998

International Criminal Court includes 'genocide' as a crime

In 1998, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was adopted, and it included 'genocide' as one of the crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the court. This further solidified the recognition of genocide as a grave violation of international law and provided a means for prosecuting individuals responsible for acts of genocide.