5th Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide commenced

On December 12, Yerevan hosted the 5th Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide entitled “Strengthening the effectiveness of international mechanisms for early warning and early response to the risk of genocide and other atrocity crimes” with the participation of high-ranking officials, experts, scholars, etc.

During the Forum, participants discussed various topics, with the focus on the early warning signs and risk factors of genocide, the role of small states in preventing and addressing the crime of genocide and cases of egregious human rights violations.

President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khatchaturyan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered opening remarks. The message of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was also read at the opening ceremony.

President Vahagn Khatchaturyan emphasized: “Since its independence and accession to the United Nations, the Republic of Armenia, as the state of the descendants of a people who endured the ordeal of the Armenian Genocide, has undertook a leading role in international multilateral platforms in advancing issues of genocide prevention, punishment, and commemoration  of victims.”

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan highlighted: “The protection of national, racial and ethnic groups must remain at the core of the international human rights system. At the same time, it is clear that the only guarantee of success in this regard is the close international cooperation, including between UN structures, regional organizations, member states, non-governmental organizations and other actors.”

The message by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres particularly read: “We must strengthen the tools of prevention, including education and countering mis- and disinformation that can fuel hate speech and genocidal intent and action. We must respect and implement decisions of the International Court of Justice on the application of the Convention.”