23 November 2024
The 91st Anniversary of the Holodomor Tragedy
On November 23, Ukraine and the world commemorate the victims of the Holodomor of 1932–1933 and the mass artificial famines of 1921–1923 and 1946–1947. On this day, we remember the millions of lives destroyed by the Soviet regime and honor the suffering of those who endured this tragedy.
This year marks the third time we honor the victims of Soviet genocide amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and over a decade of Russian aggression that began with the occupation of Crimea. Just as 91 years ago, the aggressor cynically seeks to destroy our national resistance, erase our identity and culture. However, the memory of Ukrainians and people worldwide serves as the foundation for preserving the remembrance of these tragic events.
This catastrophe also affected Crimea. Residents of many towns and villages on the peninsula were among the victims of the Soviet famine. Others tried to help those fleeing mainland Ukraine in an attempt to escape the Holodomor. These acts of aid were met with persecution by Soviet authorities and security services.
As of today, 28 countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Poland, the Baltic States, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and others, have recognized the Holodomor as an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. In December 2022, the European Parliament passed a resolution affirming this status, followed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in October 2023. Additionally, international organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, and others have honored the memory of the Holodomor victims.
Today, Ukraine hosts the nationwide campaign “Light a Candle.” We invite you to join this initiative, which begins at 4:00 PM Kyiv time with a minute of silence. Light a remembrance candle on your windowsill to honor those who perished during the Holodomor and as a reminder that such tragedies must never happen again.
Together, we remember; together, we act. Eternal memory to the victims of the Holodomor.