“ History does not repeat itself, it rhymes”
– David Kay, Former United Nations Weapons Inspector
The Holocaust, Rwandan Genocide, Cambodian Genocide, Armenian Genocide, Darfur Genocide, Indonesian Genocide and many more genocides that have taken place around the world have laid the foundation for future genocides. Although there are considerable differences between the various events, several similarities exist.
Hovannisian states in his book, The Armenian Genocide: A Bibliography Relating to the Deportations, Massacres, and Dispersion of the Armenian People, 1915-1923, there are many similarities between the genocides of the Armenians to the genocide of the Jews.
1. To commit genocide under the cover of a major international conflict, thus minimizing the possibility of external intervention;
2. Conception of the plan by a massive and power thriving group;
3. Adoption of an ideology giving purpose and justification to chauvinism, racism, exclusivism, and intolerance toward the elements resisting assimilation;
4. Enforcing strict party discipline and secrecy during the period of preparation;
5. Formation of extralegal special armed forces to ensure the rigorous execution of the operation;
6. Provocation of public hostility toward the targeted group and ascribing to it the very extremes to which it would be subjected;
7. Certainty of the vulnerability of the intended prey;
8. Exploitation of advances in mechanization and communication to achieve unprecedented means for control, coordination, and thoroughness;
9. Use of sanctions such as promotions and the incentive to loot, steal, and vent passions without restraint; or
10. Conversely the dismissal and punishment of reluctant officials
11. The intimidation of persons who might consider harbouring members of the targeted group (Coloroso, 2007).
The above mentioned similarities are not only common for the Armenian genocide and the genocide of the Jewish people, it can also be compared with the genocide of the Tutsis, the genocide in Darfur and more recently the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
The genocides that have occurred throughout our history use the same outline and same method. Thus, the evidence of any of these steps taking place can be warning signs to an imminent genocide.
As citizens of this world, it is important to be aware of these processes and educate others in order to prevent the occurrence of future genocides. The future is in our hands, we must not forget that. We have the power to make a difference in the lives of future generations.
On this note, the goal of the Human Rights Advocacy Council of CTYA is to build the capacity of the Canadian Tamil youth by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate for the protection of human rights in Canada and abroad. This council will strive to not only uphold international law and the Geneva conventions, but also educate our youth and the broader Canadian society about the ongoing plight of Tamil people.
References:
Coloroso, B., (2008). Extraordinary evil: A brief history of genocide. Penguin Canada
