Statements
Statement on the Ongoing Violence Against the Amhara People
June 20, 2022
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention wishes to call attention to ongoing violence against the Amhara people in Ethiopia. More than 200 Amhara were massacred in Ethiopia's Oromia region this past Sunday, June 19, 2022. This is just the most recent example of targeted killings, rapes, and destruction of property that the Amhara people have experienced since the start of the current civil war.
Statement on Threats to Journalists Worldwide
May 26, 2022
In the wake of the apparent assassination of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israel Defense Forces soldiers on the West Bank, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention feels compelled to underscore the importance of a free press to the prevention of genocide, to accountability for mass atrocity crimes, and to the cause of sustainable global peace.
Updated Statement on Genocide in Ukraine
April 9, 2022
Given recent revelations of atrocity in Russian-occupied Ukraine, the Lemkin Institute wishes to underscore its conviction that Russia is committing genocide in Ukraine. In particular, reports of genocidal forms of rape, life force atrocities, mass deportations of Ukrainians to Russia, and the kidnapping and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia are highly indicative of genocidal intent.
Statement on Genocide in Ukraine
March 20, 2022
The Lemkin Institute expresses concern that Russia is committing genocide in Ukraine and calls on the international community to make it clear to Russia that any continued destruction of Ukrainian life will result in a strong and clear response.
Statement on Anti-Black Racism and White Supremacy in Europe
February 28, 2022
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention protests in the most severe terms possible the disgusting display of anti-Black racism and white supremacy in Europe during the current conflict in Ukraine.
Statement in Solidarity with Russian Protesters
February 26, 2022
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention expresses its admiration for and solidarity with the Russian citizens who are courageously protesting the current war against Ukraine in over 50 cities across Russia. They have been taking to the streets since Thursday, February 24, despite the risks they face from police and the judiciary. They are being joined by Russian notables in journalism, entertainment, sports, and business, many of whom have posted against the war on social media.
Statement on Russian’s Aggressive War in Ukraine
February 24, 2022
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention strongly condemns the criminal acts carried out by the Russian Federation in the sovereign country of Ukraine. The unilateral aggression and invasion ordered by its President Vladimir Putin this morning, Thursday, February 24, 2022, constitute a serious breach of the most essential principles of international law, which have been in effect since the end of the Second World War.
Statement on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
February 18, 2022
The Lemkin Institute expresses concern about the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics in China despite mounting credible evidence of genocide against the minority Muslim Uyghur population as well as other gross human rights abuses. The Lemkiin Institute suggests that going forward the IOC return to its more modest roots as a tool for peace rather than oppression.
Statement on 20th Anniversary of Guantánamo Bay
January 12, 2022
The Lemkin Institute recognizes the need to close Guantánamo Bay. For 20 years, the United States has illegally detained hundreds of Muslim men and boys and have subjected them to inhumane living conditions and torture. We call on the United States government to honor the calls and promises to close Guantánamo Bay, end indefinite military detention and the unconstitutional military commissions system. This includes transferring detainees who have not been charged for release and ordering government agencies to seek closure in military commission cases
Statement on Bangladesh Genocide of 1971
December 31, 2021
The Lemkin Institute recognizes the genocide against Bengalis committed by the West Pakistan army and local militias in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) in 1971. We call on governments and NGOs to join us in recognizing the genocide and in supporting Bangladesh in its efforts towards justice.
Statement on LGBTQ+ Persecution in Afghanistan
December 25, 2021
The Lemkin Institute calls on the international community to recognize the genocidal nature of Taliban threats against the LGBTQ+ community in Afghanistan and calls on LGBTQ+ safe countries to fast-track asylum claims from Afghanistan.
Statement on the Crisis at the Belarusian Border with Poland
November 12, 2021
The Lemkin Institute condemns the EU response to the ongoing suffering faced by refugees seeking safe haven in Europe and reminds state leaders that refugees can only be “weaponized” – a term being used by government officials and Western media outlets alike – if the receiving countries view the refugees as dangerous, unwanted, and subhuman.