The philosophy of this project by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) rejects the notion that there is a hierarchy of victims depending on their background. We want to hold people accountable in the framework of GMD by highlighting those people and power structures who have perpetrated genocides or genocidal acts and we want to remember the victims of these genocides and genocidal acts who have lost their lives. While the idea of this commemoration is firmly rooted in Islamic ideology, this commemoration is an inclusive event which encourages people of all faiths or none from all parts of the world to take part. This is an event that has the potential to make a fundamental difference to the attitudes of society towards recognising the oppressed and the oppressor. The theme this year is Cultural Genocide.
We will be hosting a number of guest speakers from around the world at a conference including Dr.Hristo Kyuchukov who will be talking about the cultural genocide inflicted upon the Romani people in Bulgaria, and Mark Gonzales whose talk and performance entitled ‘Tears, Love & Sovereignty’ will examine the reality and resiliency of the indigenous American population. IHRC are calling for all students, teachers, parents & activists to get involved and raise awareness of the grave atrocities that have taken place across the world over the centuries and the many that continue to exist today. So please ask your local schools, local religious centres and local communities to get involved in creating a movement to stop genocides by taking part in Genocide Memorial Day. Log on to www.genocidememorialday.org for further information or email gmd@ihrc.org if you have any enquiries.
IHRC are also holding a poetry competition for 11-18 year olds – details will be given out at the conference.
Entry is free. To book a place please call 020 8904 4222 or email gmd@ihrc.org
Date: 20 January (Sunday)
Time: 2.30pm – 7.30 pm
Venue: Cruciform Building, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
Nearest trains / tubes:
• Euston Square (Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City Line)
• Euston (Northern Line, Victoria Line, London Overground)
• Warren Street (Northern, Victoria Line)
• Goodge Street (Northern Line)
