Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement today on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, which we present below:
“Today, we join the Armenian communities of Canada and around the world to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, one of the darkest pages in human history. We also keep their descendants, including Canadians of Armenian descent, who have contributed and continue to help shape the robust, diverse, and inclusive country we enjoy today.
The atrocities committed and those who died between 1915 and 1923 must never be forgotten. In 2015, a century after the tragedy began, the parliament passed a proposal to declare April 24 as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Armenian Genocide, which has since served as a reminder of the pain of loss caused by these atrocities and a guarantee that they will never be repeated.
Hate and violence must never again be tolerated. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again, and that starts by speaking out against discrimination and hate.
Together on this dark anniversary, we remember the lost lives, recognize the strength and spirit of the Armenian people, and hope for peace, mutual respect, and dignity among the people and countries of the world.”
