Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to formally recognize the 1915-1916 killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and surrounding regions as genocide. The bill requires a government statement to Parliament outlining its actions following this recognition.

Description

The Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill legally compels Her Majesty's Government to formally acknowledge the Armenian genocide. The definition of "genocide" used in the bill aligns with the definitions in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The bill requires the Secretary of State to make a written statement to the House of Commons confirming this recognition and detailing the government's intended actions in response. The act applies to the whole of the United Kingdom and comes into force upon its passage.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly allocate any specific funds. The cost will depend on the actions the government decides to take in response to the formal recognition, which may include diplomatic initiatives, educational programs, or commemorative events. No figures are currently available.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Armenian communities in the UK and globally: Formal recognition could bring a sense of justice and validation.
• Turkey: The Turkish government may view this recognition negatively, potentially impacting UK-Turkey relations.
• Historians and academics: The bill's impact on historical discourse and interpretations of events will be significant.
• UK Government: The bill places a legal obligation on the government, requiring diplomatic and political considerations.

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