Government urged to act as Armenian and Greek Genocides commemorated in Canberra

·

The anniversary of the Armenian and Greek Genocides was solemnly commemorated at the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, with powerful calls for truth, justice and formal recognition by the ACT Government.

Organised by the Armenian National Committee of Australia – Canberra Branch and the Canberra Association of Pontos ‘Trapezounta,’ the evening brought together politicians, diplomats, academics, and community leaders to honour the memory of the 2.5 million Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks killed by the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923.

In attendance were several Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly, including Peter Cain MLA, Caitlyn Tough MLA, Chiaka Barry, and Fiona Carrick, alongside dignitaries such as His Excellency Antonis Sammoutis (High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia), Her Excellency Dianela Pi (Ambassador of Uruguay), and The Right Reverend Dr Mark Short (Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn).

Representatives from ANU, UNSW, SEKA (Justice for Cyprus), and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry also participated, reflecting the event’s broad interfaith and intercultural support.

Professor Bruce Scates, historian, author, and documentary filmmaker from the Australian National University, delivered the keynote address. Drawing on decades of work communicating history to broad audiences, Professor Scates reflected on the enduring legacy of genocide and the power of remembrance.

greek genocide canberra

The event also featured the recorded testimony of Armenian Genocide survivor Verjin Cholakian, offering a rare and deeply moving personal perspective on the atrocities.

A highlight of the evening was the Advocacy Address by Sebastian Majarian, Political Affairs Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, who issued a clear call to the ACT Government to follow the lead of other states and formally recognise the Genocides.

“Tonight, I stand before you not only to reflect on the progress we’ve made, but to mark a new chapter — one that brings education, advocacy, and memory together,” Majarian said.

“Together, we are not just remembering genocide. We are confronting it. Naming it. Teaching it. And demanding that our nation does the same.”

Majarian highlighted recent progress in Victoria, where bipartisan support for recognition is growing, and called out national leaders for their failure to explicitly use the term “genocide” in recent statements.

“What is clear is that our nation’s leaders cannot summon the courage to speak one word: genocide,” he said. “Their silence is not neutral — it is betrayal.”

He also announced the launch of the Joint Justice Initiative’s inaugural Reverend James Creswell Essay Competition, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The competition will encourage Year 9 and 10 students to reflect on justice, memory, and history, offering $1,500 in prizes to promote youth engagement with genocide education.

Angie Triandafillou, President of the Canberra Association of Pontos, delivered the vote of thanks and honoured the diverse coalition committed to recognition and remembrance.

“As we gather today, we are reminded that this work is far from over,” she said. “While New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania have formally recognised the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides, we continue our efforts to see the Australian Capital Territory do the same. Recognition matters. It is not only a matter of historical accuracy—it is a moral imperative.”

The evening concluded with a closing prayer from Father Petros Kipouros of the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra.

With momentum for recognition continuing to build, especially within the ACT’s political and academic circles, organisers and community members remain hopeful that Canberra will soon join other Australian states in formally acknowledging the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Corfu serial rapist re-arrested and held on new rape charge

A convicted serial rapist was under police guard in a Corfu hospital on Monday after suffering severe injuries trying to evade arrest on new rape charges.

Greece’s Prime Minister proposes bill for Greeks abroad to vote without restrictions

Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Greek citizens living abroad will be able to vote in the Greek elections from their country of residence.

Magna Graecia – Part 6: The eternal return

Across this series, we have journeyed through the Greek settlements of southern Italy, tracing how Hellenic civilisation spread.