Holodomor Genocide

Holodomor (1932-1933)

Location 

Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic

Historical Background

Prior to the Ukraine Genocide there were massive deportations of farmers, as well as religious, intellectual, and cultural leaders. This lead to the death of millions of people due to famine. Political debate and collectivization are claimed to be the main causes of this genocide. The government and political figures were aiming towards a society that shared agriculture, food, land, and resources among everyone. They believed it would be extremely beneficial for the economy and demonstrate equality in society. Farmers and peasants strongly disagreed and refused to cooperate with the government. Since the political individuals and farmers had opposing views conflict arose. 

Important Dates

1917- The Russian Federative Socialist Republic is formed which later became the Soviet Union
1919- Ukraine declares independence and develops an independent state. Ukraine is left out of the hearings regarding the Treaty Of Versailles
1921- Famine begins in the Ukraine as food is being exported to Russia to supply Russian cities. 
1922-The Soviet Union becomes united with Ukraine
1924- Joseph Stalin gains power in Ukraine
1928- Stalin makes plans to begin collectivization. Land is taken from citizens
1929- Enforcement of the collectives begins. Hundreds of inhabitants(mostly farmers) are sent to Siberia to starve.
1932- The production quota is raised to 40% the death penalty for theft of grains is introduced. 
1933- Russification is brought to the Ukraine. Borders between Russia and the Ukraine are closed. Adolf Hitler comes to power in Germany (See Holocaust) 1934- The USSR joins the League of Nations. House representatives introduce a resolution which called for the condemnation of the Soviet Government causing destruction of the Ukraine people

Nations/ Groups/ Individuals Involved & Reasons and means of promotion for the Genocide

The Holodomor genocide was promoted by the Russians, specifically the Russian government and Soviet Union. The individuals involved with the Russian groups in power had ultranationalist opinions and beliefs they believed that to have a strong nation, with the most power possible they needed to eliminate any other culture or cultures posed a threat towards their identity. Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union wanted to industrialize society. Stalin was greedy and wanted to be superior and rich by stripping peasant and farmers of their goods and products. The Soviet Union sold and distributed those goods and products among Russia.  The majority of Ukraine and the Ukrainians were left with minimal resources. The Russians were getting all of the money from the sold products which contributed to a strong economy. Since the Soviet Union and government had a strong economy they thought that discontinuing their actions of collectivization would weaken their economy, society, nation, and identity. Russia demonstrated nationalism and ultranationalism because they, and especially Joseph Stalin were willing to deprive Ukraine's from their way of life, for the good of their own nation. 

Important Dates/ Events during the Genocide

Atrocities committed 

The most common method of killing was by starvation, Although millions were dying because of malnutrition and starvation, thousands of children and babies were dying due to birth defects. Some victims also died because of the diseases and illnesses such as: Typhus, Malaria, and Typhoid Fever. 

Peace Settlements/ UN action

Since the Holodomor genocide, The United Nations and many other organizations, foundations, and agencies host events and charities in memoriam of the victims of the horrific man-made famine. Although the Russian Government continues to classify the tragedy as a "one sided falsification of history", Holodomor is the focus of considerable international documentation and research. In november of 2006, the Parliament of the Ukraine released a decree stating that Holodomor was a deliberate Act of Genocide/ As of today, more than twenty four nations recognize the catastrophe as a genocide. the united Nations say that they can not change what has happened in the past but that can expose the violations of human rights, restore the dignity of victims by acknowledging their suffering and preserve the historical records. The can also guide future societies to help everyone avoid similar adversities. 

Criminal Charges / War crime tribunals 

There were no criminal charges laid against anyone involved in the Holodomor Genocide, but victims and family members are coming together to get justice. In 2006, Ukrainians were asking the population to gather information and evidence with details about what happened during the genocide in hopes to open and investigation with the help of Security Service. Thousands wanted justice to be served so they could have a sense of closure. Unfortunately, Ukrainian parliament member Gennady Moskal says, "From a legal point of view, what the security service is doing id absurd..." he believes that individuals who would need to testify would be too old or even dead. Although there are doubts that a criminal proceedings will be given to the Russian Government, many Ukrainians and people across the world believe Russia should take full responsibility for the genocide. 

Current status of the Nation 

GDP- $176.3 billion ( US 2012)
GDP per Capita- $3867
Life Expectancy- 71 years
Literacy- 99.7% of population over age 15 can read or write
              - Men: 99.8% Women: 99.7%

AIDS/HIV rate - Total number of people( 2011): 230 000                        

                          - Adult Prevalence:0.8%

                          - Total number of deaths: 22 000

Main Economic industries: Agriculture, Natural gas, Coal Industries, Rich Salt Deposits

Type of government: Ukraine is under a semi-presidential legislature. the government contains three branches; executive, judicial, and legislative. There is a head of the state and the President of Ukraine. They both have a major influence on the executive branch. But the highest government body in the executive branch is the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. 

Level Of Peace and Freedom: 

Ukraine is now a peaceful place because of their lack of acknowledgement that the Holodomor even occurred. 

Mayan Genocide

Mayan Genocide 1981-1983

Location 

Guatemala

Historical Background

In 1944 a new enlightened government was put into rule over Guatemala. This government was pushing to  put Guatemala on the economic map by starting coffee plantations and flourish those businesses.  In the early 1960's civil war erupted because of the inequalities in the economic and political life. This war was fought between the government of Guatemala and various rebel groups including the Mayan people.  In the 1970's the Mayan had decided to protest against the repressive government to gain the equality of the Mayan language and culture. During the 1980's the Guatemala army installed "Operation Sophia", with hopes to end the Guerilla warfare. They targeted the Mayan people, who were believed to support the Guerilla 

warfare.

Important Dates 

1944- New enlightened Government

1962- Start of Civil War

1981 - Mayan leaders protested against the Guatemalan government and the government responded by the start of the Genocide. 

Nations/ Groups/ Individuals Involved

Efrain Rios Monnt 

Mayan people - the target of this ethnic cleansing
Guatemalan Government - used the Guatemalan Army as"killing machines"
Efrain Rios Monnt- Dictator of Guatemala
USA - provided military support to the Guatemalan government in the form of arms and equipment
(The US support was understood as strategic or indifferent to the fate of the Mayan people.)

Reasons and means of Promotion for the Genocide

It was believed that the Mayan people were working towards a communist coup. Guatemalan army created "Operation Sophia" to end the Guerilla warfare. This operation target the Mayan people and ignited the beginning of the Mayan Genocide.

 Important Dates/Events During Genocide

1981-1983 - 2 years of 'The Silent Holocaust' 

Atrocities Committed

Mayan communities were exterminated en masse using cruel methods. Those methods include rape, beating, thrown alive in to pits where dead bodies were thrown, and being impaled and left to die.  The army destroyed 626 villages, killed over 200,000 people, and displaced 1.5 million, while more than 150,000 people were forced to seek refuge in Mexico.

Peace Settlements/ UN Action 

In 1991 peace talks were set up in the UN, but their progress was poor. They resumed in 1994 and an accord on human rights protection was signed by the government. A peace agreement was finally settled and signed in 1996. Part of the peace agreement was setting up The historical Clarification Commission to investigate atrocities of the civil war and genocide. 

Any Criminal Charges/ War Crimes Tribunal

 On January 26, 2012, Efrain Rios Montt, former Guatemalan dictator, was charged with genocide and crimes against humanity.

Current Status of the Nation 

GDP
$50.81 billion USD in 2012
GDP per capita 
$3368.49 USD in 2012
Life Expectancy 
Total population - 70.6%
Male 78%
Women 63.3%
HIV rate
Adult prevalence rate 0.7%
Government Type
Constitutional Democratic Republic

Literacy Rate
Total population - 70.6%
Men- 78%
Women -63.3%
Level of Peace and Freedom 

The government has made a huge leap forward in the struggle for openness and taking accountability. They have made many laws that strengthen the peace and freedom of the people. Although there is laws to promote equality, discrimination against indigenous Guatemalans is still evident.