SYDNEY: The Sydney #MARCHFORJUSTICE for the Armenian Genocide attracted unprecedented national media coverage, as around 3,000 Armenian-Australians participated in the third instalment of this annual event held in Sydney's Central Business District on Sunday 22nd April 2018.



The March for Justice was led by a large sign, which said "TURKEY IS GUILTY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE", followed by the Homenetmen Australia Scouting Band, international keynote guest for Australia's commemoration of the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and bestselling author, Chris Bohjalian, as well as Member of the NSW Legislative Council, the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile.

Also leading the march were clergy from Armenian churches and community leaders, Homenetmen Scouts, members from the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia, the Armenian Relief Society and Hamazkaine, students from Galstaun College and from the Armenian Students' Association of NSW, members of the Armenian Church Youth Association, as well as members of the Sydney Armenian, Assyrian and Greek communities.

The Sydney March for Justice received unprecedented coverage, was covered on television by ABC, SBS, 7 News and 9 News. 2GB Radio and SBS Radio covered the March for Justice as part of their news bulletins. In written form, the Australian Associated Press syndicated articles to over a dozen local and national news outlets.







The Sydney March for Justice began at the iconic Hyde Park Fountain, continued along Macquarie Street - where marchers passed Martin Place and the New South Wales State Parliament House - then continued to the very busy Circular Quay at Customs House, where a Special Program was delivered.

Michael Kolokossian opened proceedings on behalf of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).



Nune Hovivian presented an address on behalf of the Homenetmen Scouts organisation, presenting his personal family history that traces back to the Armenian Genocide in 1915.



Garod Varjabedian presented a rallying address on behalf of the Armenian Youth Federation of Australia.



International Guest and Bestselling Author, Chris Bohjalian delivered the English Keynote.



Kevork Vartanian, the Chairman of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Australia (ARF-AU), presented the Armenian Keynote Address.



Vice-Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Vache Kahramanian delivered a message on behalf of the peak public affairs body of the Armenian-Australian community.



Member of the NSW Legislative Council, the Hon. Rev. Fred Nile delivered his remarks.



Two traditional Armenian dances were performed in dedication to the victims of the Armenian Genocide by performed by both the Hamazkaine Sassoun Armenian Sydney Dance Ensemble and Hamazkaine Nairi Dance.





Proceedings ended with a blessing and prayer by His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Reverend Hagop Sarkissian of the Armenian Evangelical Church, before singers Raffy Adourian and Sako Mekhmeljian led the audience with songs dedicated to survival.







The Melbourne Armenian community also organised their first #MARCHFORJUSTICE in 2018, with over 300 marching through the centre of the city of Victoria's capital.




CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF THE SYDNEY #MARCHFORJUSTICE