Author: Lilit Nahapetian

On the importance of teaching genocide in high school: A case study from Quebec

Lilit Nahapetian
 Lalai Manjikian Research, Commentary, Diaspora, Special Reports 0

Special Issue: Genocide Education for the 21st Century
The Armenian Weekly, April 2023

“You have to understand what caused genocide to happen. Or it will happen again.”
–Tim Walz

Teaching about genocide, particularly at the high school level, can be a daunting task. Educators are often reluctant to approach this highly sensitive topic due to the complexity the study of genocide encompasses. However, the complex nature of this issue is precisely why teaching genocide is so crucial.

In April 2022, after a decade of hard work and overcoming various obstacles, a comprehensive guide on teaching genocide to high school students was launched in the province of Quebec. The interactive guide entitled “Teaching about Genocide” is now available online in French (English to come in spring 2023), reaching over 310,000 students in 800 schools. 

Montrealer Heidi Berger, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, is the driving force behind this guide. Over the years, in talking to students about the Shoah, she realized there was a profound degree of ignorance about facts surrounding the Holocaust. Berger was determined to bring significant change and help repair this lack of knowledge amongst high school students. In 2014, she created a non-profit organization called The Foundation for Genocide Education (FGE). The main mission of the FGE is to ensure that the history of genocide, as well as the steps leading up to this crime against humanity, are taught in high schools across Canada and the United States.

The “Teaching about Genocide” guide is the result of a collaboration between The Foundation for Genocide Education and the Quebec Education Ministry, the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and representatives of the various communities highlighted in the guide, including the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) and the Armenian National Committee of Quebec (ANCQ). 

Lead researchers who worked on the guide are Sivane Hirsch, Didactic Professor of Ethics from the Department of Education at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Sabrina Moisan, Professor of History Education in the Faculty of Education at Université de Sherbrooke.

In the digital age where information is as easily accessible as it is distorted, the lack of awareness and knowledge surrounding genocide is staggering.

The U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey published in September 2020 revealed the extent of this ignorance. According to this survey, in the United States, 63 percent of young adults don’t know that six million Jews were killed in the Nazi Holocaust. In fact, 36 percent think the number was “two million or fewer.” Around one in ten respondents were not sure whether the Shoah happened at all or deny that it did. Most appalling of all is that 19 percent of millennials and zoomers in New York State believe that it was the Jews who caused the Holocaust. 

In the aftermath of such profoundly traumatic events as the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, educating current and future generations — using historical facts and survivor testimonials — is not only a pedagogically sound approach, but it is, first and foremost, an ethical obligation.

Educators in Quebec now have a comprehensive tool that will assist them in teaching about genocide. This guide on teaching genocide offers “a comparative, socio-historical and ethical approach” to the atrocities. “Teaching about Genocide” includes a series of case studies, a list of steps leading to genocide, teaching plans, reference documents and instructional videos. The guide also includes genocide survivor and descendent of survivor video testimonies. 

The guide defines the crime of genocide and methodically explains the various stages that have historically led to this crime using Gregory Stanton’s stages. Additionally, it provides thoroughly-reviewed case studies of nine genocides recognized by the United Nations (UN) and the Canadian government. These genocides are the First Nations Cultural Genocide (1876-1993), Herero and Nama Genocide (1904-1908), Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), Ukrainian Holodomor (1932-1933), Roma and the Sinti Genocide (1935-1945), Holocaust (1939-1945), Cambodian Genocide (1975-1979), Bosnian Genocide (1992-1995) and the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (1994). 

The guide also contains a section entitled “Racism, Prevention and Justice.” Each genocide is presented in a similar manner, which enables educators and students to draw parallels between different events through a comparative approach in order to further develop their understanding of the genocidal process.

University professors, educators and community leaders were involved in reviewing the guide. Moreover, in order to ensure that the guide is utilized in an effective manner, training workshops are being offered to teachers. 

Board members of the Foundation for Genocide Education (FGE) representing the ANCC and ANCQ were involved in advocacy efforts in order to bring the community’s voice to the table. Furthermore, the ANCC and ANCQ formed an Academic Advisory Council comprised of historians and scholars specializing in the study of the Armenian Genocide. Their academic expertise and advice were indispensable during the process of developing the guide. 

High school is a critical period in terms of students forging their world views. Introducing students to the topic of genocide, and encouraging them to learn the facts and think critically around issues of mass human extermination, hate, racism and violence is imperative. This approach will allow youth to be better equipped to build a healthier way of living on both local and global scales.

Understanding the causes of systemic violence is the only way such crimes against others can be prevented. Remembering the names of the genocides is far from sufficient.  What is needed is to understand the causes linked to this complex phenomenon and the steps leading up to it. This requires a pedagogical approach that will ultimately activate students’ intellectual, emotional and ethical engagement. 

Given the increasingly polarized nature of political landscapes around the world and the rise of online hate, it is now, more than ever, urgent to invest in teaching genocide. Education remains the key to breaking the cycle of hatred which in its extreme forms can lead to genocide.

  •  Bio
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Dr. Lalai Manjikian is a humanities professor at Vanier College in Montreal. Her teaching and research interests are in the areas of immigration and refugee studies, media representations of migration, migrant narratives and diaspora studies. She is the author of Collective Memory and Home in the Diaspora: The Armenian Community in Montreal (2008). Lalai’s articles have been published in a number of newspapers and journals including The Armenian Weekly, Horizon Weekly, 100 Lives (The Aurora Prize), the Montreal Gazette, and Refuge. A former Birthright Armenia participant (2005), over the years, Lalai has been active in volunteering both within the Armenian community in Montreal and the local community at large, namely engaged in immigrant and refugee integration. She previously served as a qualitative researcher on the Armenian Diaspora Survey in Montreal. Lalai also serves as a board member for the Foundation for Genocide Education. She holds a PhD in Communication Studies from McGill University (2013).


1975 map should serve as basis for delimitation with Azerbaijan, says Armenian PM

Lilit Nahapetian

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 12:45,

YEREVAN, MAY 22, ARMENPRESS. The 1975 map of the USSR military’s General Staff could and should serve as the basis for delimitation with Azerbaijan, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at a May 22 press conference when asked on the process.

PM Pashinyan said that Armenia reiterates Russia’s stance that the delimitation process should be conducted based on the 1975 maps of the USSR General Staff, and, according to PM Pashinyan, a reciprocal withdrawal of forces from the border recorded by these maps would ensure stability on the border.

“I must gladly note that we are already seeing this issue recorded by the international community, which is rather important and commendable. I can’t note a movement of stance by  Azerbaijan in this regard, but at the same time I will emphasize that ensuring border security is an important part of the negotiations process. It is no secret that Azerbaijan continues to engage in a policy of military pressure in an attempt to gain more beneficial conditions in the talks through military pressure, but at the same time I have to note that this constitutes a violation of an internationally assumed obligation, because under the statement adopted during the 31 October 2022 Sochi meeting the parties agreed and assumed obligation to avoid from the use of force or threat of force. We must continue our work,” PM Pashinyan said.

The reciprocal withdrawal of forces doesn’t predetermine the delimitation work, Pashinyan said, adding that the process would simply ensure stability.

“I believe that the 1975 map could and should be the basis for future delimitation works as well, because this is what the 6 October 2022 agreements in Prague imply regarding delimitation based on the Almaty Declaration,” the Armenian Prime Minister said.

Armenia permanent delegate: UNESCO mission needs to be urgently sent to Karabakh, neighboring areas

Lilit Nahapetian
NEWS.am
Armenia – May 16 2023
16:16, 16.05.2023

The 216th meeting of the UNESCO Executive Board started Monday at the UNESCO headquarters. Ambassador Christian Ter-Stepanian, Permanent Delegate of Armenia to UNESCO, delivered an address during the first plenary session held on the same day, the foreign ministry of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Referring to the activities being carried out by UNESCO in emergency and war situations, the permanent delegate of Armenia recalled the current situation as a result of the military aggression unleashed by the armed forces of Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13, 2022.

Ter-Stepanian, expressed his conviction that UNESCO bears responsibility for all those people whose right to education is violated. In that context, he recalled the consequences of Azerbaijan’s blocking of the Lachin corridor for the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including the violation of the right to education of 30,000 children. He reaffirmed the urgency of sending the UN inter-agency fact-finding mission due to the described situation.

Also in his remarks, the permanent delegate of Armenia to UNESCO expressed concern regarding the threats to the Armenian cultural heritage in the Karabakh territories now controlled by Azerbaijan, particularly in the regions of Shushi and Hadrut. In that context, Ambassador Ter-Stepanian reaffirmed the desire to urgently send a UNESCO mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories.

In his address, the permanent delegate of Armenia to UNESCO reflected also a number of joint initiatives implemented by UNESCO and Armenia and which are in the current phase.

Asbarez: Syunik Villagers Trained in Trauma Care by Tufenkian Foundation and Code 3 Angels

Lilit Nahapetian
by Aleen Arslanian

 

 

 

in Armenia, Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Representatives of the Tufenkian and Code 3 Angels with participants of their trauma care training program in Armenia’s Syunik Province


KAPAN, Armenia—More than 150 people from 23 border villages in Armenia’s Syunik Province received training in the care of traumatic injuries from the Los Angeles-based Code 3 Angels through a program implemented by the Tufenkian Foundation.  

“In these difficult times for Armenia, we need to help the residents of vulnerable areas such as Kapan to be well prepared for any situation,” stated Tufenkian Foundation Director Greg Bedian. “Such training is not only invaluable in conflict situations; it can also save the lives of those who have been seriously injured due to accidents involving automobiles, agricultural machinery or even farm animals.”

The training took place from May 2 to 4 and was conducted in the villages of Artsvanik, David Bek, Shikahogh, Syunik and Yeghvard in the Kapan region. Participants included first responders, local clinic nurses, village administrators, schoolteachers, farmers and community volunteers. The villages around Kapan in the southern Syunik region of Armenia have become exposed to Azerbaijani aggression since the 44-Day War in 2020. 

Founder and Director of Code 3 Angels Joe Krikorian addressing attendees during the program

During the training, the Code 3 Angels team instructed villagers in techniques developed by the US Department of Defense to limit severe blood loss. These included the proper use of military-grade tourniquets, wound-packing gauze and other essential items found in the emergency medical kit that was provided to each participant. The training also included key skills such as how to assess and prioritize the treatment of a victim’s wounds and how to safely move an injured person.

“Given the long distances from hospital facilities in Syunik’s isolated rural areas, having the skills and equipment necessary to limit blood loss due to trauma can literally save lives,” said Joe Krikorian, Founder and Director of Code 3 Angels.  “I would like to sincerely thank the Tufenkian Foundation for organizing this initiative and giving us the opportunity to assist our people in the Homeland,” he continued. 

A scene from the trauma care training program A scene from the trauma care training program

Krikorian is a former paramedic-firefighter who established the Code 3 Angels in 2014.  Since that time, Krikorian and his Code 3 Angels colleagues have traveled numerous times to Armenia and Artsakh to provide training in pediatric emergency care, advanced cardiovascular life support, combat trauma, emergency medical response, basic first aid and other areas. In 2021 the Tufenkian Foundation and Code 3 Angels partnered for the first time and provided trauma care training to nearly 250 people in the Martuni region of Artsakh.  The Code 3 Angels team is made up of current and former first responders who bring their real-world experience to the training room. The instructors are volunteers and receive no compensation for their services.

“We are so grateful to be able to partner with the Code 3 Angels. The value of the vast experience and expertise they bring cannot be overstated,” stated Bedian. “We are also indebted to the Armenian American Medical Association of Boston; the Armenian Medical Fund, USA; and the Izmirlian Foundation for their generous support which made this life-saving training possible,” Bedian concluded.

Established in 1999, the Tufenkian Foundation addresses the most pressing social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh). Since its inception, the Tufenkian Foundation has supported various community initiatives as well as civic activism and public advocacy campaigns to help improve life in Armenia, while providing housing, education, social, health, and livelihood support for the Armenians of Artsakh.

Armenpress: ‘Durable peace is possible’ between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Washington

Lilit Nahapetian

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 10:12,

YEREVAN, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS. The United States believes that the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan are an important step forward, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing on May 15 when asked on the Brussels-hosted summit.

“Obviously, the U.S. was not a party to these talks.  But as a follow-on to the talks that we hosted in Arlington, we continue to believe that these are important steps forward as we continue to find that a durable peace is possible between these two countries,” Patel said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held trilateral talks together with the President of the European Council Charles Michel on May 14 in Brussels.

In early May, Armenia and Azerbaijan also held U.S.-mediated foreign ministerial talks in Arlington.

Defense Minister visits wounded troops of latest Azeri aggression

Lilit Nahapetian

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 12:00,

YEREVAN, MAY 12, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan on Friday visited the wounded Armenian troops of the latest Azeri attack who are being treated at the Central Military Hospital, the defense ministry said in a press release.

Papikyan was briefed on the condition and course of treatment of the troops.

The defense minister wished speedy recovery to the servicemen.




Dutch man shot dead in Armenia; Body found next to shards of hand grenade: report

Lilit Nahapetian
The Netherlands – May 3 2023

A Dutch man was shot dead in the Armenian capital of Yerevan on Sunday. The man was found dead in front of the building where he lived with a bullet wound in his head and hand grenade shards next to his body, sources confirmed to the Telegraaf after reports in the local media.

The Duch Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not confirm that a Dutch person was killed. The Ministry hasn’t received a request for consular assistance,” a spokesperson told De Telegraaf. “If such a request comes, we will grant it if it is indeed a Dutch person.”

A passerby called the police late Sunday evening to report a bleeding person on the ground in front of a building on Myasnikyan Street. According to the passerby, the man was no longer breathing.

The police responded and cordoned off the area for investigation, securing several pieces of evidence, including two shards of a hand grenade. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Telegraaf’s source, the man did not stand out and wasn’t a known criminal. “It was someone who apparently lived a normal life. Nothing special.”


https://nltimes.nl/2023/05/03/dutch-man-shot-dead-armenia-body-found-next-shards-hand-grenade-report

Nagorno Karabakh

Lilit Nahapetian
India – April 27 2023

Contents [hide]

  • The Inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh
  • The First and Second Karabakh Wars
  • The Lachin Corridor
  • Tensions Over the Lachin Corridor

Nagorno-Karabakh is mainly inhabited by ethnic Armenians. In 1923, the Soviet government granted the region autonomy within the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. However, in the 1980s, the Armenian population began to demand unification with Armenia.

The First Karabakh War took place from 1988 to 1994, resulting in the deaths of about 30,000 people. The war ended with a ceasefire that left Nagorno-Karabakh and some surrounding territories under Armenian control, but the international community still recognizes it as part of Azerbaijan.

The Second Karabakh War broke out in 2020, and Azerbaijan emerged as the victor. One of the main reasons for Azerbaijan’s success was its use of drones purchased from Turkey and Israel.

The Lachin corridor is the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. After the 44-day war in 2020, Russia negotiated a ceasefire agreement that included the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to guard the Lachin corridor. Azerbaijan pledged to guarantee the safety of traffic along the corridor in both directions.

In December 2022, Azerbaijani citizens who identified themselves as advocates for the environment initiated a barricade of the Lachin corridor. Despite Azerbaijan’s insistence that some aid and convoys were permitted to pass through, they refuted accusations of a complete road blockade. Recently, Azerbaijani troops set up a new checkpoint near the Armenian border at the beginning of the Lachin corridor.

The United States expressed deep concern over the move and called for free and open movement along the corridor. The tensions over the Lachin corridor highlight the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and the need for a peaceful resolution to the issue.

https://www.gktoday.in/topic/nagorno-karabakh/

16 people needing emergency surgery were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia

Lilit Nahapetian

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 15:47,

YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. Due to the blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia by Azerbaijan, sixteen patients with pathologies requiring emergency surgical interventions from the Republican Medical Center of the Republic of Artsakh were transported today to specialized medical institutions in the Republic of Armenia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Health Ministry of Artsakh.

The International Committee of the Red Cross provided mediation and escort for the transportation.

Ten patients who had previously been transferred to Armenia for medical treatment have returned to Artsakh. So far, a total of 394 patients have been transported from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and support of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Washington forces Yerevan to join anti-Russian sanctions

Lilit Nahapetian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
13:45, 16.04.2023

Washington is forcing Armenia to join the anti-Russian sanctions, Doctor of Political Science Vahe Davtyan wrote on Facebook.

“According to some sources, this issue was discussed at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, as well as during the visit of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea Kendler to Yerevan a few days ago.

Naturally, there is no mention of the discussion of sanctions in any official statement, as well as in the minutes of the meeting,” Davtyan wrote.