From: Islamic Human Rights Commission

2 January 2018

PRESS RELEASE – UK: Genocide Memorial Day to discuss failure of international community to protect the Rohingya

Genocide Memorial Day 2018 – 21 January 2018

Nine years ago, IHRC decided it was imperative to set aside a day to remember the genocides, genocidal acts and genocidal policies of the modern era. Coinciding with the anniversary of the end of the brutal Israeli Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, Genocide Memorial Day was born.

GMD rejects the notion that there is a hierarchy of victims depending on their background. It seeks to hold people accountable by highlighting individual people and power structures responsible for perpetrating genocidal acts and by remembering the victims.

The theme of Genocide Memorial Day 2018 is ‘Failures of International Institutions in preventing genocide: Myanmar’s Rohingya and Bosnian genocides.’ There is a grave situation facing the Rohingya and genocide is undoubtedly taking place in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The United Nations has ‘expressed deep concerns’ and the level of violence increases day by day.

The event will see presentations from a number of noted speakers before the audience has a chance to ask questions and engage in discussion. Topics will include the difference between ethnic cleansing and genocide; the way the international community has been silent in the face of the Rohingya crisis; the lessons that have been learned from the Bosnian genocide and the failure of international institutions in preventing genocide.

Speakers:

• Maung Zarni – Genocide scholar and Burmese human rights activist
• Ramon Grosfoguel – Professor at the Department of Ethnic Studies, UC Berkeley
• Daniel Feierstein – Director of the Centre of Genocide Studies at the National University of Tres de Febrero in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Professor at the University of Buenos Aires
• Demir Mahmutcehajic – Bosnian activist and co-founder of Islamic Human Rights Commission

Notes to editors:

WHEN: Sunday, 21st January 2018 from 12 – 4pm

WHERE: P21 Gallery, 21 Chalton St, Kings Cross, London NW1 1JD (nearest stations: Kings Cross St. Pancras / Euston / Euston Square)

• For more information, or to attend please contact the Press Office and speak to Nadia on +44 20 8904 4222 or email nadia@ihrc.org

• If you want to bring a fixed camera please let the Press Office know in advance.

[Ends]

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrc