Thousands March in Montreal for Genocide Prevention
March for Humanity Also Honored All Victims of Genocides of the 20th Century
MONTREAL, Canada—Thousands of activists marched in downtown Montreal on May 8, in honor of the memory of genocide victims of the 20th century, as well as to raise awareness to help prevent atrocities from taking place.
Thousands of activists marched in downtown Montreal on May 8. (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
“It is our duty, as victims, but also as Quebecers, to fight denial, fight indifference, and force governments into action where help is needed,” said Hrag Jinjian, Chair of the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Quebec.
The march was organized in honor of the memory of genocide victims of the 20th century, as well as to raise awareness to help prevent atrocities from taking place. (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
The March for Humanity and Prevention of Genocide (M4H) began at Montreal’s Cabot Square, as participants marched towards the Quartier des Spectacles along Sainte-Catherine Street. Participants included political figures such as Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly, Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie Christine St-Pierre, and former Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Minister of Defense Jason Kenney. Several ambassadors, including Armenia’s Ambassador to Canada Armen Yeganian, foreign diplomats, and representatives of the mayors of the cities of Montreal and Laval participated in the march.
(L to R) Ambassador Armen Yeganian, Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly, Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, and Pontifical Representative of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
The event was organized by the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Quebec in collaboration with the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (MIGS), the Alliance for Genocide Awareness and Remembrance (AGAR), the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), and Amnesty International Canada. Members of the Jewish, Rwandan Tutsi, Cambodian, Ukrainian, Assyrian, Lebanese, and Pontian Greeks also participated.
Members of the Rwandan Tutsi community participating in the march (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
“I congratulate you all on continuing this initiative that commemorates the numerous victims of genocides, whether from Armenia or elsewhere around the world,” declared Quebec Minister of International Relations Christine St-Pierre.
The March for Humanity and Prevention of Genocide (M4H) began at Montreal’s Cabot Square, as participants marched towards the Quartier des Spectacles along Sainte-Catherine Street. (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
Following the march, a cultural program took place, including a performance by Sebu Simonian, lead singer of the award-winning band Capital Cities.
Members of the Jewish, Rwandan Tutsi, Cambodian, Ukrainian, Assyrian, Lebanese, and Pontian Greeks also participated in the march (Photo: Nareg Rezian)
Source: Armenian Weekly Mid-West
