Australian MP Chris Rath Calls for Genocide Recognition

Australian MP Chris Rath Calls for Federal Government to Recognize Armenian Genocide – 2025

Chris Rath, a Member of the Legislative Council of the Parliament of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, has publicly called upon the Australian federal government to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Rath, who also holds the position of Shadow Special Minister of State, issued this call on April 24, 2025, a date significant for Armenians worldwide as the commemoration day of the Genocide.

Call Issued Via X Platform on 110th Anniversary

The Australian politician conveyed his message and call through his X platform. Using social media is a common method for politicians to directly communicate their views and engage with the public. On this platform, Mr. Rath articulated his stance on the Armenian Genocide and directed his call specifically to the Australian Federal Government. The timing of the post, coinciding with the 110th anniversary, highlighted the context and urgency of his message regarding the historical events of 1915.

Context of Armenian-Australians Remembering Horrible Atrocities

In his post on X, Chris Rath provided context for his call by referencing the Armenian community in Australia and their activities on this day. He noted that “Today Armenian-Australians remember the horrible atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire.” This statement underscores the significance of April 24 for the Armenian diaspora in Australia. The phrase “horrible atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire” refers to the systematic massacres, forced deportations, and other crimes against humanity carried out against the Armenian population in 1915 and subsequent years. By mentioning that Armenian-Australians are remembering these events, Mr. Rath acknowledged their ongoing historical memory and the importance of this day for their community.

Source: Chris Rath via X

Direct Call for Official Federal Recognition

The core of Chris Rath’s message was a direct appeal to the Australian Federal Government. He explicitly stated, “I call on the Federal Government to officially recognise the Armenian Genocide”. This call for “official recognition” by the federal government is a key objective for Armenian communities and advocates in Australia. Official recognition at the federal level would mean a formal acknowledgment by the Australian national government of the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide. This contrasts with recognition at state or territory levels or non-governmental acknowledgments. Mr. Rath’s call adds a voice from a state-level politician with a Shadow ministerial portfolio to the ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at achieving this federal recognition.

Urging the Federal Government to Stand with the Armenian Community

In addition to calling for official recognition, Chris Rath also urged the Federal Government to demonstrate solidarity with the Armenian community. His message included the phrase, “and stand with our Armenian community.” This part of his call highlights the importance of support and solidarity for the descendants of the Genocide victims and the current Armenian population in Australia. “Standing with” the community can encompass various actions, including offering moral support, acknowledging their history and trauma, and potentially supporting initiatives related to remembrance, education, and justice. This call for solidarity underscores the humanitarian aspect of his message and the connection between acknowledging the historical events and supporting the affected community in the present day.

Chris Rath’s Political Role and Position

Chris Rath is a political figure in the state of New South Wales, Australia. He serves as a Member of the Legislative Council, which is the upper house of the Parliament of New South Wales. Furthermore, the source identifies him as the Shadow Special Minister of State. In the Westminster system of government, a “Shadow Minister” is a member of the opposition party who is designated to scrutinize the corresponding government minister and develop alternative policies. Holding this portfolio suggests a role in the Shadow Cabinet, indicating a degree of seniority within the opposition. His position as an MLC and Shadow Minister provides him with a platform to voice his views on various issues, including those with international dimensions and relevance to constituent communities.

Significance of the Call from an Australian State Politician

While the call for recognition is directed at the federal government, the fact that it comes from a state-level politician, particularly one with a notable role in the opposition, is significant. It reflects awareness and concern regarding the Armenian Genocide within Australian state politics. Calls from state politicians can contribute to raising the profile of the issue nationally and can put pressure on the federal government to consider its stance. Given the considerable Armenian community in NSW, such statements from their representatives are particularly relevant to constituents and community advocacy efforts.

Broader Context of Armenian Genocide Recognition Efforts in Australia

Chris Rath’s call occurs within the broader context of ongoing efforts by Armenian-Australians and their supporters to secure official recognition of the Armenian Genocide from the Australian federal government. While various Australian state parliaments have recognized the Genocide, the federal government has not yet done so. Advocacy efforts in Australia involve community organizations, human rights advocates, and supportive politicians at various levels of government. Mr. Rath’s statement is a part of these sustained efforts to achieve federal recognition, adding his voice to those advocating for this historical acknowledgment and for solidarity with the Armenian community.

NSW MP Urges Federal Recognition and Solidarity on 110th Anniversary

On April 24, 2025, the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Chris Rath, a Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Shadow Special Minister of State, publicly called on the Australian federal government to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. In a post on his X platform, Mr. Rath noted the remembrance of the “horrible atrocities” by Armenian-Australians on this day and urged the federal government to stand in solidarity with the Armenian community. His call adds to the ongoing advocacy efforts in Australia aimed at achieving federal recognition of the historical crime and highlights the importance of official acknowledgment and support for the Armenian diaspora.