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Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations
Essendon, Australia
18 November 2001
MEDIA RELEASE
Under a decree from Ukraine's President Kuczma the last Saturday of November
is designated the official, national memorial day for the millions of
victims of the engineered Famine of 1932 - 33 in Ukraine.
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) is calling on
Ukrainian community organisations and community members to light a candle on
this day as well using the following week to highlight this solemn occasion
in Ukraine's history in their every day lives and interaction with others.
The AFUO calls on the leadership of our churches to hold solemn services to
remember this occasion.
The AFUO calls on the broader Australian community to join with the
community in a very personal way by lighting a candle in their homes on this
day.
The 1932/33 Famine is often forgotten and does not receive the attention it
deserves as part of not only Ukraine's history, but world history.That the
Stalinist Regime afflicted such a human travesty and got away with it
reflects badly on the world.
"Acts against humanity such as this need to be corrected in history.
As we have commissions to investigate and make judgments on atrocities
committed against mankind in wars and other pages of history, no less
important is it for an International Committee to investigate and make
judgement and condemn this action by the Communist regime" Mr Stefan Romaniw
OAM Chairman of AFUO said
As George Orwell complained, "Huge events like the Ukraine famine of 1933,
involving the deaths of millions of people, have actually escaped the
attention of the majority of English russophiles." As he implies, this was
an intellectual and moral disgrace on a massive scale.
Robert Conquest Reflections On A Ravaged Century
7,000,000 - 10,000,000 Ukrainians perished. The media and foreign
governments of the time in many cases turned a blind eye and to this day
those affected by this period have taken this trauma with them throughout
their life journey.
Mr Stefan Romaniw said the following sentiments are often reflected upon by
survivors and are told in community settings -
"The fact that we had no food, that we saw bodies around us, that we as
children experienced this horrific situation has had a lifelong affect and
is one aspect of our tragic lives. But what hurts us more and continues to
hurt us is the fact the Communist regime that planned and committed the
atrocity was left without being held accountable and often the world
continues to be in denial." Mr Romaniw said.
It is time to correct this wrong! Mr Romaniw said.
The Ukrainian Government and all Ukrainians throughout the world must work
towards ensuring that future generations, and the rest of humanity, never
ever forget this horrific part of Ukraine's history.
The AFUO joins with Ukrainians throughout the world in calling the President
and Government of Ukraine to officially condemn the Communist regime for
this atrocity.
November 24, 2001 will provide an excellent opportunity to do this and in
this way embark on the process of finding justice for those that perished,
suffered and in some cases continue to suffer.
Further information Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255
Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations
PO Box 251 Essendon 3040
03 9375 1781 Fax 03 9326 1065 email cyoa@netsol.net.au
http://www.ozeukes.com/cyoa/c2001_10e.doc
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