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United Nations

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson delivered remarks on the observance of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. He reflected on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. Eliasson emphasized the importance of giving meaning to the promise of "never again" and called for serious action to prevent genocide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime was proclaimed by the General Assembly in resolution 69/323.
  • The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide has been in effect for 67 years, but the promise of "never again" has been repeatedly broken, indicating a monumental and shameful failure.
  • Intolerance, discrimination, and xenophobia are on the rise, fueled by systematic fear-mongering from terrorists and violent extremists, leading to polarization and division in societies.
  • The seeds of uncontrollable violence are sown through hate speech, incitement, and marginalization of the "other", which are serious early warning signs of genocide.
  • The Human Rights Up Front initiative, launched by the Secretary-General, aims to prevent harm to large categories of people by strengthening prevention and mobilizing good forces within the UN system.
  • The obligation to prevent genocide is strongly anchored in international law, but it is also a political and moral responsibility that requires serious action to prevent unspeakable affronts to human dignity and life.

Statistics:

  • 67 years: The number of years the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocese has been in effect.
  • 10 years ago: The time Jan Eliasson served as President of the General Assembly.
  • 2005: The year the Summit adopted the document recognizing the link between peace, development, and human rights.
  • 69/323: The General Assembly resolution that proclaimed the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide.

Sources:

  • UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson's remarks on the observance of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, in New York today.
  • The General Assembly resolution 69/323 that proclaimed the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide.

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