From Armenians to Uyghurs: Official Recognition of Genocides in France

Since 2001, France has officially recognized four genocides: those of the Armenians, Assyro-Chaldeans, Uyghurs, and Tutsis. This discussion aims to compare the official recognition of these genocides in France. By analyzing the contexts surrounding these acts of recognition, we can understand the political reasons behind their success. A historical perspective will reveal the structural conditions that made these acts of recognition possible, pinpointing a favorable period from the early 2000s onwards. In this narrative, the Armenian case serves as a precursor.
Mathieu Soula is a professor of legal history at the University of Paris-Nanterre. He specializes in the history of criminal justice. Recently, his research has focused on alternative justice mechanisms for mass crimes, particularly state acts of recognition.