On November 27, the exhibition “Armenian Genocide and Scandinavian Response” has been inaugurated at the Swedish Riksdag. The exhibition is dedicated to the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime and to the 70th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Swedish parliamentarian and former Vice Speaker of Riksdag Björn Söder, in his welcoming speech, noted the importance of recognition of genocide in terms of the prevention of similar crimes against humanity. He recalled that the idea to organize an exhibition emerged during his official visit to Armenia where he learned about the vast involvement of the Nordic countries in the humanitarian assistance to victims of the Armenian Genocide. He expressed his gratitude to his colleague, Deputy Speaker of Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov for the original idea and support in the organization of the exhibition.

Artak Apitonian, Ambassador of Armenia to Sweden, in his speech indicated the importance of dissemination of information in Sweden and other Nordic countries about the substantial humanitarian assistance provided by their nationals to the victims of the Genocide. He expressed gratitude and paid tribute to all devoted individuals who extended their helping hand to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, to the missionary women who saved and took care of thousands of Armenian orphans, to the public and political figures who stood up in protection of exiled Armenians and their violated rights. The Ambassador also mentioned the efforts of the Government of Armenia in the universal prevention of genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Speaker of the Federation of Armenian Organizations in Sweden, historian Vahagn Avedian presented the historical background citing Swedish diplomatic reports and newspaper publications during the years of Genocide.

The inauguration of the exhibition was attended by parliamentarians, ambassadors and diplomats accredited in Stockholm, Swedish public figures, representatives of mass media.

The exhibition will continue until 20th of December 2018.