ArmInfo. Since 1998, Armenia has consistently interacted within the UN in order to raise awareness of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity. On September 13, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan stated at a conference dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Geneva.
He also recalled that exactly 10 years ago on March 25, 2008, the Human Rights Council unanimously adopted resolution 7/25 "Prevention of Genocide", initiated by Armenia. According to him, since then Armenia regularly and consistently updates the regulatory framework in this direction. "This platform gives an opportunity to reaffirm Armenia's firm commitment and determination to continue efforts to promote the agenda in the field of human rights, to prevent atrocious crimes, including genocide," Mnatsakanyan said.
He stressed that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. According to the Armenian minister, the tendencies of radicalism, isolation and hatred shake the international agenda. Special anxiety, according to Mnatsakanyan, causes a marked reduction in international commitment to multilateralism and respect for human rights, at a time when the need for this has increased, especially within the UN. "The genocides, perhaps, are not committed so often, but however rare it is, this is the most serious crime," the Armenian minister said.
At the same time, he stressed that Armenia consistently voiced the importance of preventing such crimes. "Early warning means early action.The warning primarily involves legal and institutional opportunities firmly based on the protection of all fundamental human rights and freedoms and encouraging political and moral responsibility.Lack of opportunities for the protection of human rights for the most part lead to genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, "the Armenian FM noted.
According to him, a warning at the international level requires a comprehensive approach and actions in all directions, intertwined with the three basic principles - security, development and human rights. Mnatsakanyan noted that the UN and the international community should be resolute in responding to all manifestations of discrimination, propaganda of hatred, radicalism and sowing of hatred. "Denial and impunity are the main obstacles to the prevention of such crimes." Rejected justice prevents genuine reconciliation of generations that survived the genocide, "the Armenian minister said. In conclusion, he recalled that on December 9, 2018, the Third Global Forum against the Crime of Genocide will be held in Yerevan. "Armenia is obliged and ready to promote collective international efforts to develop measures to prevent genocides," the Armenian Foreign Minister summarized.