Joint Statement on Holodomor

by the United Nations

In the former Soviet Union millions of men, women and children fell victims to the cruel actions and policies of the totalitarian regime. The Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine (Holodomor), which took from 7 million to 10 million innocent lives and became a national tragedy for the Ukrainian people. In this regard we note activities in observance of the seventieth anniversary of this Famine, in particular organized by the Government of Ukraine.

Honouring the seventieth anniversary of the Ukrainian tragedy, we also commemorate the memory of millions of Russians, Kazakhs and representatives of other nationalities who died of starvation in the Volga River region, Northern Caucasus, Kazakhstan and in other parts of the former Soviet Union, as a result of civil war and forced collectivization, leaving deep scars in the consciousness of future generations.

Expressing sympathy to the victims of the Great Famine, we call upon all Member States, the United Nations and its special agencies, international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, foundations and associations to pay tribute to the memory of those who perished during that tragic period of history.

Recognizing the importance of raising public awareness on the tragic events in the history of mankind for their prevention in future, we deplore the acts and policies that brought about mass starvation and death of millions of people. We do not want to settle scores with the past, it could not be changed, but we are convinced that exposing violations of human rights, preserving historical records and restoring the dignity of victims through acknowledgement of their suffering, will guide future societies and help to avoid similar catastrophes in the future. We need that as many people as possible learn about this tragedy and consider that this knowledge will strengthen effectiveness of the rule of law and enhance respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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Joint Statement by the delegations of:

• Azerbaijan,
• Bangladesh,
• Belarus,
• Benin,
• Bosnia and Herzegovina,
• Canada,
• Egypt,
• Georgia,
• Guatemala,
• Jamaica,
• Kazakhstan,
• Mongolia,
• Nauru,
• Pakistan,
• Qatar,
• The Republic of Moldova,
• The Russian Federation,
• Saudi Arabia,
• The Sudan,
• The Syrian Arab Republic,
• Tajikistan,
• Timor-Leste,
• Ukraine,
• The United Arab Emirates and
• The United States of America

on the seventieth anniversary of the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine (Holodomor)

Addendum

Additional signatories (28 November 2003):

• Argentina
• Islamic Republic of Iran
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Nepal
• Peru
• Republic of Korea
• South Africa
• former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan