Thursday, December 9 2021 17:53

ArmInfo.The RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Crime of  Genocide.

The statement reads: 

"On December 9, 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the first human  rights treaty - the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of  the Crime of Genocide. 

"The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of  Genocide clearly stipulates that 'genocides have caused enormous harm  to humanity at all stages of history,' thus reaffirming that the  crimes of genocide appeared before the adoption of the Convention.  The Armenian Genocide served as an important precedent for the  adoption of the Genocide Convention, which was publicly mentioned by  the author of the Convention, Raphael Lemkin.

One of the specific aspects of this Convention is the imposition of a  legal obligation on the states parties to the Convention to not only  punish but also prevent genocide. This is very crucial in terms of  universal protection of national, ethnic and religious groups.

Despite the enormous work that has been carried out, the  international community still needs to make further efforts for  adequate and timely response, including for condemnation of gross  violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, as  well as for holding accountable the states guilty of genocide.   Today, there are different methods and toolkit for committing the  crime of genocide, as modern weapons of mass destruction are being  used. However, those who justify genocide have not changed their  aspiration to achieve geopolitical goals through mass atrocities.

In 2015, due to Armenia's efforts, December 9th was included in the  list of UN International Days as the International Day of  Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and  the Prevention of this Crime.

A resolution on the prevention of genocide, initiated by Armenia and  adopted with consensus by the UN Human Rights Council in 2020,  clearly states that "Justification, biased accounts or denial of past  instances of genocide may increase the risk of reoccurrence of  violence".

Historical memory, education and the dissemination of accurate  information concerning previous genocides are essential to prevent a  recurrence of mass atrocities.

The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage should also be  condemned as it is a vital element for the preservation of national  identity. 

Manifestations of domination over national, ethnic, religious or  racial groups or justifications for the use of force against the  latter are unacceptable. 

The Republic of Armenia will continue to work diligently to raise  awareness of past genocides, the dangers of their impunity and the  new challenges."