Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice
Mick Antoniw MS, Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution
The fourth Saturday in each November, Holodomor is commemorated internationally, including in Wales. The Welsh Government commemorates Holodomor to highlight the long history of atrocities committed against Ukrainians, to remember the victims and encourage greater solidarity with the Ukrainians who are now finding sanctuary in Wales.
Last November we marked the start of the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor with an event at Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff. On Saturday (25 November 2023) we held a commemoration at the Senedd, sponsored by fellow member Alun Davies MS. The event was led by the First Minister and attended by other Welsh Government Ministers and leaders from local government. Leaders from Ukrainian and Welsh religious communities, the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and many Ukrainian guests who have found sanctuary in Wales also participated.
Attendees laid wreaths and sheaves of wheat to remind us of the wheat stolen by the Soviet regime 90 years ago – with clear parallels to the impact of the current war on food security in Ukraine. The event also commemorated the brave work of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, who was one of the few Western journalists who reported on the famine in Ukraine and its causes. Gareth Jones is still considered a hero in Ukraine.
We also highlighted Holodomor remembrance though our social media channels and in our regular communications with guests and hosts across Wales to raise awareness.
We honour the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people and we also re-affirm our commitment to support Ukrainians here in Wales. Earlier this month, the Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip visited the Safe Haven group in Maesteg, an inspiring community hub established to support Ukrainians to integrate into the local community and provide English lessons and mental health support.
The Welsh Government deplores the ongoing aggression perpetrated against Ukraine by Putin’s regime and we will continue to stand side-by-side with Ukrainians living in Wales. Whenever this full-scale invasion ends, our bonds with Ukrainians who have come to Wales, and their family and friends remaining in Ukraine, will be stronger than ever.