May 31 – Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression and Famine
May 31 is observed in Kazakhstan as the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression and Famine, commemorating one of the most tragic chapters of the 20th century involving widespread political repressions and severe famine.
In Kazakhstan, more than 100,000 people were unjustly convicted, with about a quarter of them receiving death sentences. Entire communities faced persecution, and during these repressive years, over 5 million people from across the Soviet Union were exiled to Kazakhstan. Those who survived found refuge and a new home on Kazakh soil.
Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has made significant efforts to honor the memory of these victims. The government has initiated extensive efforts to rehabilitate those wrongfully persecuted, restoring the reputations of thousands of Kazakhstanis. New legislative measures and the active work of the State Commission for the Complete Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression have played a crucial role in this process.
This difficult period remains etched in the hearts of future generations as a Day of Remembrance, symbolizing respect and gratitude for those who suffered.
