Message by Mr. Michael Møller, UN USG Director-General of the UNOG, for the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

On 9 December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Crime of Genocide. The horrific and tragic experiences of the Holocaust were still fresh and the international community said “never again”. Sixty-seven years later, our Member States came together to establish the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime. As we remember all victims of genocide on this important day, we are reminded that the determination expressed in the Convention of 1948 was not enough to prevent the recurrence of the unspeakable atrocities it addresses.

The establishment of this International Day therefore serves as a much needed call to action. Let the deep sadness that fills our minds when we hold the victims of genocide in our memories reinforce our resolve to make “never again” a reality. Let it energize us to strengthen the important institutions for accountability and justice that have been established to fight impunity. Let it encourage us to enhance early warning mechanisms and capacity to respond. And most importantly, let it inspire us to re-affirm efforts to promote respect for human rights, rule of law and tolerance as the most powerful tools for the prevention of genocide. Effective prevention requires a stronger focus on instilling empathy, respect and understanding in our schools, in addition to teaching technical skills

Over the last two years, the international community has commemorated the anniversaries of some of the most devastating atrocities of the last century. At the same time, in several regions including areas that were directly affected in the past by genocide, killings and other atrocities based on nationality, ethnicity, race or religion, are on the rise. These extremely worrying developments make it imperative that the international community remain vigilant. Decisive action by the international community addressing early warning signs should be the standard answer of our Member States and not the exception to the rule.

The survivors of genocide are the strongest advocates of avoiding the recurrence of genocide at all costs. Their suffering and their struggle must not have been in vain.

For use of the information media; not an official record

DG15/004E