Hawaii Senate Bill SR90

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25

Caption

Acknowledging And Urging Turkey And Iraq To Recognize The Genocide Committed Against Assyrians Between 1915-1933.

Impact

The resolution draws attention to the overwhelming evidence of the atrocities committed against the Assyrian population during the stated period, including the severe loss of life and the larger genocidal campaign against Christian minorities. By formally acknowledging this historical injustice, SR90 seeks to educate and inform both the public and international communities about the Assyrian genocide, thereby fostering a greater understanding of its implications for human rights and historical memory.

Summary

Senate Resolution 90 (SR90), presented in the State of Hawaii's Thirty-third Legislature, acknowledges and urges the recognition of the genocide committed against Assyrians between 1915 and 1933 by both Turkey and Iraq. This resolution highlights the historical significance of recognizing genocide as a crucial step towards preventing future acts of mass violence and ensuring access to necessary historical records for scholars. The year 2025 marks the 110th anniversary of this tragic period, which is emphasized as an important milestone in the resolution's narrative.

Contention

A notable point of contention arises from the continued denial of these events by the governments of Turkey and Iraq. The resolution echoes the thoughts of the International Association of Genocide Scholars and aligns with the European Parliament’s calls for recognition, demonstrating a broader international consensus on the matter. However, as SR90 does not impose any legal obligations but rather serves as a moral appeal, the effectiveness and influence of such resolutions can be debated, particularly regarding their impact on diplomatic relations between Hawaii and the concerned nations.