Motion in Australia to recognize Ottoman era genocides

NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia — As a result of the tireless efforts of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) and Armenian institutions to gain recognition of the 1915 Sayfo Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against its Christian population, the Legislative Council of New South Wales discussed and unanimously approved a proposal that calls on the government to further highlight the Sayfo, to include the Armenian, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean), and Greek genocides, and the establishment of a museum to raise awareness.

The proposal was submitted to the Legislative Council in the last session of 2023 and was discussed on 7 February.

During the discussions, many political party representatives and MPs spoke about the events and history of the genocide, made strong statements in support of increase highlighting the history of the genocide, its inclusion in the school curriculum.

Chris Rath, member of the Legislative Council, stated that Australians generally know a lot about the Jewish Holocaust, adding that after many years, he got acquainted with the genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire, which are still relatively unknown and not included in the curriculum.

“This is very sad, and it prompted us to take this step,” he added.

Michae Kolokosyan, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, welcomed the Legislative Council’s efforts to recognize these genocides.

“The Armenian community of Australia thanks Rath and other MPs in the Legislative Council for following up the issue, since the Council is the first legislative body in the city to recognize the Armenian Genocide and the Republic of Artsakh,” he concluded.