Chilean Parliament recognizes 1915 events in Ottoman Empire as genocide, Turkey protests

SANTIAGO — In a historic move, the lower house of the Chilean Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, has officially recognized the events that unfolded in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 as genocide. Unsurprisingly, Turkey, which has long denied a genocide occurred despite overwhelming evidence and acceptance among genocide scholars, has objected to Chile’s recognition.

The resolution marks a significant acknowledgment of the atrocities committed against the Armenian, Greek, and Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) peoples in the early 20th century. The recognition of these events as genocide represents a step towards truth and reconciliation for the targeted communities and advocates for human rights worldwide.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that parliaments lack the authority to interpret historical events and pass judgments on them. They argued that the resolution contradicts the principles outlined in the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the determination of genocide can only be made by a competent court. They insist that the resolution passed by the Chamber of Deputies does not hold legal weight and undermines the principles of international law.

Chile’s decision to recognize the events as genocide adds momentum to the global movement seeking acknowledgment and justice for the victims and survivors. It sends a powerful message of solidarity with those affected by historical injustices and reaffirms the importance of confronting difficult truths for the sake of reconciliation and prevention of future atrocities.