Words are not only a means of describing the past; they also carry legal and political significance. Especially in the case of crimes committed against humanity, the choice of the correct term can be decisive.

In Armenian, the word “Yeghern” describes a great catastrophe, massacre, or tragedy. It expresses the pain and loss suffered by the people, but in legal terms, it does not define the nature of the crime or the scope of responsibility.

By contrast, the term “genocide” is a clearly defined concept in international law. It not only records the mass crime that took place, but also indicates its organized nature, the responsibility of the perpetrators, and its legal consequences.

Recognition of genocide is connected with the establishment of justice, accountability, and historical truth.

Therefore, when speaking about the crime committed against the Armenian people, the use of the term “genocide” is not merely a linguistic choice. It is a legal and moral position that contributes to the protection of human rights and the restoration of historical justice.

Accurate definitions matter, because justice begins with naming the truth correctly.