The recognition text was voted through almost unanimously with 73 votes in favor and one against, and follows a similar resolution from the European Parliament in the EU last December.

Holodomor is the Ukrainian term for the famine that struck the Ukrainian Soviet Republic in 1932–33. International researchers believe that between 3 and 4 million people died during the famine, but other estimates vary greatly.

The Holodomor is seen by Ukrainian authorities as a deliberate act of genocide by Josef Stalin's regime. It happened during the collectivization of Soviet agriculture.

More than 20 countries recognize the Holodomor as genocide, including the United States and Germany. Earlier this year, the Norwegian government refused to recognize the Holodomor as a genocide.

Norway has rejected recognition of the Holodomor twice.

On 15 December 2022, two historic decisions were made in Norway. Lyngdal and Farsund municipalities both recognized that the Holodomor is a genocide. But the Norwegian state has rejected recognition of one of the world's genocides twice.

I myself was present in the municipal council hall in Lyngdal when the decision was made. With me were several Ukrainians, including a lady who started to cry. I was told that her aunt survived the Holodomor and could tell about the tragedies.

Both municipalities made similar decisions:

• We recognize the Holodomor as genocide in that an estimated 7 million Ukrainians starved to death as a result of Stalinist policies in 1932-33

• We appeal to other municipalities in Norway and the Norwegian state to do the same

In analyzing this subject, Holodomor, it is compelling to take into account the lapse of time, the lack of legislation at the time, the weakness of international law, and the current improbability of punishment.