Date: Sunday 18 January 2015

Time: 12.30pm – 4.00pm

Venue: University College London, Cruciform Lecture Theatre, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

Six 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 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 individuals people and power structures responsible for perpetrating genocidal acts and by remembering the victims.

The theme of Genocide Memorial Day 2015 is ‘Steps leading to Genocide’. It intends to bring to attention the political, social and economic processes that precede all genocides and which provide an indicator of looming crisis. Please see below for our list of speakers on the day as well as the topics they will be speaking on.

This year will see this event being synchronised with partner Genocide Memorial Day events in Paris, Amsterdam and for the first time: Jerusalem.

Raza Kazim of IHRC said: “I would urge that people concerned with xenophobic and racist oppression and the resistance to it to come and participate with great minds, thinkers and activists as to how we can better understand the steps that lead to genocidal acts in order to resist them better in the future. Genocide is an issue that is a direct attack on humanity, and thus needs a rigorous response from different communities comprising humanity”

Speakers:

• Xain Storey – Journalist and historian. Speaking on First Nations of North America
• Maria-Jose Lera – Professor at Seville University. Speaking on genocide of Jews and Muslims in Andalucia
• Matt Carr – Author and journalist speaking on genocide of Moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity) in Andalucia

Notes to editors:

• 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. Video, audio and photographs will be available after the event.
• The programme will be broadcast live at https://www.ihrc.tv
• Public wanting to attend should register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/genocide-memorial-day-2015-tickets-15054355984