The resolution HCR2037, sponsored by Representative Toma, proclaims November 7, 2024, as Victims of Communism Day in Arizona. It highlights the historical context of communism, referencing the Bolshevik Revolution and the oppressive regimes that followed, which have resulted in the deaths of over 100 million people and widespread human rights violations. The resolution emphasizes the incompatibility of communism with fundamental human rights and freedoms, including freedom of worship, speech, and association, and acknowledges the suffering of political prisoners and various ethnic groups under these regimes.
Furthermore, the resolution encourages Arizona citizens and schools to observe Victims of Communism Day by honoring those who have suffered under communist rule. It calls for recognition of the atrocities committed by these regimes, including poverty, starvation, imprisonment, and violence, and aims to raise awareness about the impact of communism on individuals and societies worldwide. The resolution has passed both the House and Senate unanimously, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the historical significance and ongoing relevance of this issue.