Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to formally recognize the events of 1915-1916 against Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide. The government must make a public statement to Parliament outlining this recognition and detailing subsequent actions.

Description

The Armenian Genocide (Recognition) Bill legally compels the UK government to officially acknowledge the Armenian genocide. This includes:

• Formal Recognition: Her Majesty's Government must formally recognize the killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and surrounding areas during 1915-1916 as genocide, as defined by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
• Parliamentary Statement: The Secretary of State must provide a written statement to the House of Commons confirming this recognition and detailing the government's planned response.
• Legal Definition: The bill explicitly defines "genocide" according to international legal frameworks.
• Extent and Commencement: The Act applies to the entire UK and takes effect immediately upon passing.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any associated government spending. The cost will depend on the government's response to the recognition, which may include diplomatic initiatives, educational programs, or other actions, but no specific financial figures are provided within the bill itself.

Groups Affected

This bill is expected to primarily impact the following groups:

• Armenian diaspora in the UK: They are likely to see this as a significant symbolic victory and recognition of historical suffering.
• Turkey: The Turkish government may respond negatively, potentially impacting UK-Turkey relations.
• Historians and academics: The bill's passage may influence the public and scholarly discussion of the Armenian genocide.
• UK Government: The government will be required to adjust its foreign policy and public statements in light of the official recognition.

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