November marks month of remembrance for Holodomor victims

Every November, Ukraine and the global Ukrainian community commemorate the victims of the Holodomor — the forced famine that is considered a genocide of the Ukrainian people that was orchestrated by the Soviet communist regime in 1932–1933 under dictator Joseph Stalin and his henchmen. 

This year, Ukraine’s Holodomor Memorial Day will be marked on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The International Coordinating Committee for Holodomor Awareness and Recognition of the Ukrainian World Congress is calling on Ukrainian communities worldwide to take part in the campaign “We Remember the Holodomor. The Genocide Continues” and to use the dedicated website with materials and resources for organizing local events.

How you can take part:

1. Organize events: hold rallies, marches, or flash mobs in your cities to remind the world of this tragedy.

• Arrange interfaith memorial prayers and observe a moment of silence.
• Light a candle of remembrance on Saturday, Nov. 22, to honour the millions of victims of Stalin’s brutal regime.

1. Engage with governments:

• Write to your national governments urging them to recognize the Holodomor as genocide against the Ukrainian people.
• Call on officials to condemn Russia’s current aggression against Ukraine as an act of genocide.
• Encourage parliaments to hold commemorative events or hearings to mark the Holodomor anniversary.

1. Spread awareness:

• Use social media to share information about remembrance events and stories of Holodomor survivors.

One such story comes from Liubov Yarosh, a 105-year-old Ukrainian and living witness of the Holodomor. Having survived one genocide, she now watches Ukraine’s current struggle with faith and concern — as her grandchildren serve in the Defence Forces.

The Ukrainian World Congress extends its gratitude to Ukraine’s National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide for partnering in the creation of this video and conducting the interview with Liubov Yarosh, which helps preserve and share these vital memories with the world.

Earlier, the International Coordinating Committee for the Holodomor of the UWC announced the start of preparations for this year’s remembrance events.