December 2008 -Edinburgh Recognises Holodomor

Edinburgh Council has adopted a motion on the Holodomor linking it with the Holocaust and other genocides- this event is a significant step in the campaign to secure recognition of the Holodomor as a genocide by the United Kingdom. We should note that the motion was unanimously supported and that the link to other atrocities of the 20 Century will help secure cross party support in other British parliaments and Council. The motion was passed at full council meeting last Thursday 18 December. It was agreed by all 58 Edinburgh Councillors from all 5 parties. It was of moved by an SNP (Scottish National Party) Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz.

City of Edinburgh Council – 18 December 2008


Motion by Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz Holodomor, the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-33
To acknowledge both the national day of remembrance for the victims of the ‘Holodomor’ held on 22 November in Ukraine, and the National Holocaust Memorial Day which is held on 27 January to commemorate victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, Council is asked to note the events of the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-33, (known as the Holodomor), which took place 75 years ago. There are various estimates as to how many people died as a result of the famine with even conservative estimates placing the number of victims in the millions. Furthermore, there is a strong body of opinion that considers the events of the Holodomor to be a deliberate policy of Stalin’s regime. Council is asked to note the above. Council also acknowledges the long established Ukrainian community in Edinburgh with their own Church in Leith, a community centre in Royal Terrace and, more recently, the Ukrainian Consulate in Windsor Street, and recognises the mutual benefit to both Edinburgh and Kiev from the twinning arrangement with the UkrainianCapitalCity, since 1989. Council agrees that the Lord Provost should send a letter of condolence to the Ukrainian Consul General to Scotland in memory of the victims of the Holodomor.
	……………………………………………………………………….. COUNCILLOR STEFAN TYMKEWYCZ
	10 December 2008

HOLODOMOR 1932-33