Kazakhstan Remembers: A Nation's Day of Remembrance

Kazakhstan Honors Victims of Famine and Repression NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan — May 31, 2025 marked a solemn day in Kazakhstan as the nation commemorated the victims of the devastating famine and political repressions of the past. The event, held at the Memorial Complex in Nur-Sultan, saw President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev deliver a poignant speech. "Knowing history is our duty, and confidently stepping into the future is our obligation," President Tokayev stated, underscoring the nation's commitment to remembering the past while striving for a brighter future. The ceremony also marked the establishment of a State Commission tasked with restoring historical justice and the opening of a new research center at the Presidential Archives, dedicated to studying this dark chapter of Kazakhstan's history. The event was attended by government officials, historians, and descendants of those who suffered during the famine and repressions. One attendee commented, "It's important that we never forget what happened and that we learn from the past to build a better future for our children." The establishment of the State Commission and research center signals Kazakhstan's continued efforts towards reconciliation and a deeper understanding of its past. The solemn commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of historical memory and the pursuit of justice.