AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
As a means of memorializing the victims and the survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides that have occurred throughout history, the Legislature of the State of Texas joins institutions around the world in recognizing the month of April as Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month.
Across the globe, those atrocities known as genocides have had their origins in the stratification of society and the dehumanization of a group of people by those who harbor intolerance, hatred, and violent proclivities. Many of these genocides have stemmed from events that occurred in the month of April, or have had defining moments at that time of year. In April of 1933, the Nazis issued a decree preparing the way for the "Final Solution" to all of Jewish faith or descent, and the tragedy that ensued was one of the world's most horrific.
In April of 1975, the Khmer Rouge entered the Cambodian capital and initiated massacres that led to the death of two million people. In April of 1992, the siege of Sarajevo began, leading to the deaths of more than 2,000 Bosnian Serbs. In April of 2003, the displacement of Darfurians began in Sudan, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions. In April of 2004, the Rwandan president's plane was shot down, leading to the killing of moderate leaders by Hutu hardliners and the later slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis.
In 2009, the Texas Legislature unanimously passed S.B. 482, which created the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. The commission is dedicated to obtaining, organizing, and distributing information on genocides and to ensuring that schools, organizations, and communities have access to this genocide information and history.
The legislature has chosen the month of April to emphasize the need to heighten public awareness of the early stages of human behavior that spawn acts of genocide, the need to build strong communities and prevent future genocides, and the need on the state and national levels to continue to honor all who have been victimized by genocide.
RESOLVED
That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby declare the month of April each year from 2011 through 2020 Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month in tribute to all whose lives were touched by genocide and as a reminder of the need for the protection of human rights and for vigilance against the forces of intolerance.
That a copy of this resolution be prepared in recognition of Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month.