Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day Marked Amid Ongoing Struggles

On April 24, 2024, Armenians worldwide commemorate the 109th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide, which began with the systematic deportation and killing of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. The genocide resulted in the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Armenians and the destruction of a vast part of the millennia-long Armenian heritage.

Despite overwhelming evidence, Turkey continues to deny this grave crime. The lack of accountability for the Armenian Genocide has bred new crimes against humanity, including ethnic cleansing and genocides against other nations. In September 2023, Azerbaijan and Turkey, who call themselves 'one nation - two states', expelled another 140,000 Armenians from their homeland in Artsakh, following in the steps of the Ottoman Empire.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has issued a global call to action to prevent a second Armenian genocide, underscoring the similarities in atrocities that took place 109 years ago and are happening again today. The call urges the government of Azerbaijan to restore peace in the region and act with justice towards the prisoners it has unlawfully captured, including the businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan.

Why this matters: The ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide and the lack of accountability have enabled further injustices and tragedies, such as the recent conflict in Artsakh and the displacement of thousands of Armenians. The international community must take stronger action to ensure 'Never Again' becomes a reality and to prevent history from repeating itself.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D - Burbank) released a statement emphasizing the importance of genocide recognition, especially in light of the recent unimaginable terror experienced by Armenians of Artsakh. "The lack of punishment for the first genocide perpetrated against ethnic Armenians has led to the same violent people repeating their illegal and inhumane acts today, with Turkey and Azerbaijan continuing their aggression against Armenians and Armenia," Portantino stated. He called for the U.S. government to expand assistance to Artsakh's forcibly displaced Armenians and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Key Takeaways

• April 24, 2024 marks the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
• Turkey continues to deny the Armenian Genocide, enabling further atrocities.
• In 2023, Azerbaijan and Turkey expelled 140,000 Armenians from Artsakh.
• The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative calls to prevent a second Armenian genocide.
• Senator Portantino urges the U.S. to assist displaced Armenians and hold perpetrators accountable.