Armenian Genocide memorial honors Raphael Lemkin

A commemorative plaque honoring Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin, who is known for coining the term "genocide,” was unveiled on June 24 at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan.

The plaque, as well as soil from Lemkin’s grave brought from New York, were ceremonially placed at the Memorial Wall on the occasion of the scholar’s 125th anniversary of birth.

Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Director Edita Gzoyan said that the event is an expression of gratitude to the memory of Lemkin for his contribution to the historical perception of the Armenian people’s tragedy.

“This was the man who was able to express with a single word the whole horror that the Armenians went through, and lay the foundation for the international struggle for justice,” Gzoyan said, adding that Lemkin’s work has left a deep trace in the Armenian people’s history.

The memorial wall honors prominent non-Armenian humanitarians, scholars and politicians who aided the victims of the Armenian Genocide or called for its recognition.

A plaque honoring Admiral Louis Dartige du Fournet was unveiled earlier in May.