Lemkin and the Holodomor – Activity

[Excerpt From Holodomor in the Ukraine, The Genocidal Famine 1932-33: Teaching Materials for Teachers and Students – By Valentina Kuryliw]

Raphael Lemkin on the Genocide and the Ukrainians

Please read “Soviet Genocide in the Ukraine” (excerpts or full text) by Raphael Lemkin. In groups or individually consider the following questions:

1. What reason does Lemkin give for the Soviet attack on the Ukrainian population in the 1930s?
2. What is meant by “Russification?” What are its implications for Ukrainians?
3. How, according to Lemkin, did the Soviets plan to destroy the Ukrainian nation?
4. List the 4 steps by which this was done. How was each step carried out?
5. According to Lemkin, why was it necessary to destroy a large number of Ukrainian farmers?
6. How did the Soviets plan and carry out the Genocidal – Famine in Ukraine?
7. How does the Ukrainian Genocide differ from the Holocaust?
8. What evidence has Lemkin presented that this was indeed an attempt to destroy a cul¬ture and a nation?
9. What are your feelings about Lemkin’s ideas on the “Soviet Genocide in Ukraine.” Ex¬plain in one paragraph.
10. What contribution do you think Raphael Lemkin made by devoting so much of his life to trying to make genocide a criminal act? In your opinion should a sovereign state have the right to declare internal enemies and dispose of them?

Bonus: Who would you believe was responsible for the Ukrainian Genocidal – Famine? How should they be dealt with?

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