Genocide and the promise of ‘never again’
The article discusses the legacy of the Armenian Genocide, which began on April 24, 1915, and its impact on the concept of genocide and international relations. The author reflects on the repeated failures to prevent genocides despite the promise of 'never again' after the Holocaust.
April 24, 1915, marks the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, a systematic campaign of deportation, death marches, and mass killing that destroyed the Armenian presence across the Ottoman Empire. The genocide's legacy has shaped the concept of genocide and international discourse, with the promise of 'never again' after the Holocaust. However, this promise has been repeatedly tested and found wanting, with subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Myanmar. Genocide is not spontaneous; it begins with hate speech and dehumanization, followed by organization and execution. Denial plays a central role in enabling repetition, distorting the present, and endangering the future. The author, who signed a protocol establishing diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Armenia in 1992, reflects on the importance of remembering the past to prevent future atrocities.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.