Action Day for Tolerance and Respect between People is observed annually on April 24 in Argentina. This national holiday commemorates and recognises the Ottoman Empire’s endeavours to eradicate the Armenian people from their homeland in 1915. It is a national holiday. However, today is not a holiday. Rather, as only 33 nations have previously recognised the actions of the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide, this day sheds light on how the persecution of people can continue unabated, as governments’ preoccupation with political ties rather than human rights supersedes their ability to act.
The background of Action Day for Tolerance and Respect
The Ottoman Empire was founded in 1299 and governed over much of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe throughout history until its eventual collapse in 1922, after a series of post-World War I treaties rendered it powerless and without influence. Throughout its existence, it subjugated, conquered, and ruled over immense territories, a collection of Islamic states united by their desire to consolidate the Islamic faith, and territories in which they permitted the practise and incorporation of minority religions and ethnic groups into their empire.
However, in the 1400s, the Ottoman Empire absorbed Armenia, and while they acknowledged the predominantly Christian population within its borders, they regarded the people as “infidels” and subjected them to harsh, unequal treatment by the ruling regime. Argentina acknowledges that the events that occurred during the First World War, which were directed by the Ottoman Empire, constituted genocide. Hundreds of scholars who have examined the events, cited sources, and interviewed survivors have confirmed that the events were genocide, as the facts speak for themselves and cannot be disputed.
Nevertheless, each year the Republic of Turkey invests millions of dollars to lobby against these claims. Only 33 states have recognised and validated the historical and widespread genocide of this ethnic group, leaving the Armenian people without justice and without their true history.
According to the majority of sources, between 600,000 and 1,200,000 Armenians were ‘destroyed,’ as German allies would put it. Since then, organisations have found it difficult to agitate against the Republic of Turkey, which maintains that the Ottoman Empire’s actions were motivated by a need to maintain order in one of its sovereign states.
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Activities on ACTION DAY FOR TOLERANCE AND RESPECT BETWEEN PEOPLE
Inform yourself
The Armenian Genocide is one of many genocides that have occurred in recent history, and it is not the only one whose perpetrators have explicitly denied its existence. Educate yourself on the global prevalence of persecution of ethnic minorities.
Be a voice for those who are neglected.
Action Day for Tolerance and Respect between People recognises more than just the Ottoman Empire’s atrocities against the Armenian people. The day is also about giving all persecuted and oppressed people a voice in order for them to receive acceptance and understanding for their dividing characteristics.
Celebrate Armenia
Armenia has a rich culture and history, and there are many fascinating aspects that will astonish and delight you. Learn about these remarkable individuals.
5 FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ARMENIA
Its origins and national identity date back to 12,000 B.C., and the earliest leather shoe discovered dates back to 3,500 B.C.
Armenia was the first nation to establish Christianity as its official religion, and 97 percent of Armenians are Christians.
Armenia constructed the First Christian Church in the fourth century, with Holy Etchmiadzin serving as a pilgrimage site.
The Armenian capital was founded in 782 B.C. by King Argishti, making it one of the world’s earliest cities.
Six monuments in Armenia have been deemed significant by UNESCO and are protected by the organisation; the Armenian flatbread Lavash has also been deemed culturally significant.
ACTION DAY FOR TOLERANCE AND RESPECT BETWEEN PEOPLE DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | April 24 | Monday |
2024 | April 24 | Wednesday |
2025 | April 24 | Thursday |
2026 | April 24 | Friday |
2027 | April 24 | Saturday |