UCC Launches Holodomor Awareness Campaign

Winnipeg, October 23, 2010 - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has launched a new campaign to ensure that the 1932-33 Famine in Ukraine is remembered and properly recognized as a genocide of the Ukrainian people.

“We must never waiver in our commitment to the memory of the millions of victims of Stalin’s campaign of terror and a deliberate attempt to destroy the Ukrainian nation,” stated UCC National President Paul Grod.  “What Ukraine, Canada and many other governments around the world have recognized in legislation is intended to ensure no one forgets.”

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress will be marking the 77th anniversary of the Holodomor with several initiatives, including:

An information and advocacy campaign targeting deputies of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada where legislation has been introduced to diminish the tragedy of the Holodomor by removing any references to its genocidal nature.  The campaign highlights the international support for Ukraine in its endeavour to carve out a national identity and forge ahead with democratic initiatives.

Participation in the international project initiated by the Ukrainian World Congress entitled Svichka Molinnia (Remembrance Candle).  The Remembrance Candle, which began its journey in Kyiv in June, is currently travelling through all regions of Ukraine and 33 countries worldwide to raise Holodomor awareness in a display of global unity.  In Canada, the Candle will be introduced during the XXIII Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in Edmonton in November and will be an integral part of local commemorations.

Launching the 3rd annual National Holodomor Awareness Week from November 22-28 including a range of commemorative activities throughout the country.  Details will follow.

Completion of the documentation of Holodomor survivor testimonies, excerpts of which are the focus of a web site: Sharing the Story.

Support for the new documentary film Genocide Revealed about the Holodomor by renowned Canadian film producer Yurij Luhovy.

“The organized death by starvation of the Ukrainian people is an unfathomable crime against humanity.  In the words of Canada’s Prime Minister. The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, in reference to the Holodomor, “remembering those who died, and why they died, is our best hope against history repeating itself.” stated Grod.