April is Genocide Remembrance Month

In 2015, with support from all major parties, the House of Commons unanimously passed M-587 designating April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month.

This year, in keeping with the ongoing public health parameters, communities are organizing commemoration events online during the month of April. In addition, a coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the Humura Association, Romanipe, Project Abraham, the Rohingya Human Rights Network, and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, is calling on the Government of Canada to:

Move forward with a policy on online hate based on the work undertaken by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in the last Parliament; and
Re-establish the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Genocide Prevention.

Read Our Letter

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Mr. O’Toole, and Mr. Singh,

In recognition of Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month, we, a coalition of eight civil society organizations, have joined together with the support of thousands of Canadians to solemnly commemorate and condemn acts of genocide and recommit to working together to prevent genocide. We are asking for your help.

In addition to honouring the millions of lives lost to genocide, we are asking you to take two specific actions:

Move forward with a policy on online hate based on the work undertaken by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in the last Parliament. As we collectively cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the importance of solidarity and unity during these difficult times. As the number of online hate incidents continues to rise across Canada and across the globe, our organizations are deeply concerned. Our historic experience has shown repeatedly that, during times of uncertainty, it is the most vulnerable who face the greatest challenges. Sadly, this has proven to be true yet again in the context of the pandemic. We know all too well that genocide begins with words targeting and dehumanizing groups of people. That is why it is crucial to combat online hate right at the source.
Re-establish the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Genocide Prevention and provide the group with the necessary tools and funding to be able to execute its mandate, and to lead the way in fighting genocide and hate.

Our concerted efforts in combating hate, injustice and discrimination have led us to many achievements and a stronger and more diverse Canada. We remain confident and hopeful that the Government of Canada will continue to work with us and our communities in making sure that ‘Never Again’ truly means ‘Never Again.’

Sincerely,

Armenian National Committee of Canada

Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Project Abraham

Romanipe

Rohingya Human Rights Network

Rwandan Humura Association

Ukrainian Canadian Congress

Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project