We are witnessing genocidal acts, manifestations pointing to emergence of new crimes against humanity – FM Mirzoyan

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Regrettably the international community tends to pay more attention and talk about genocides and other mass atrocities only after they have already happened, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in his remarks at the 5th Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide in Yerevan.

Below is the full speech of the FM.

“Honorable Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Dear colleagues,

I am honored to welcome you to the 5th Global Forum “Against the Crime of Genocide.”

The agenda of discussions on the crime of genocide is bringing together for the fifth time in Yerevan politicians, representatives of international organizations, prominent scholars in the field, judges, human rights defenders, and members of civil society.

As you are undoubtedly aware, in addition to hosting this forum, Armenia is also the author of the "Prevention of Genocide" resolution presented within the framework of the UN Human Rights Council, which was most recently adopted in March of this year. One of its main themes is precisely the issue of ensuring early warning and early response to genocide.

I should note that over the years, significant substantive amendments have been made to this resolution, and during the organization of each subsequent global forum, there has never been a lack of topics for discussion. And this fact, no matter how strange it may sound at first glance, is not something I note as a positive achievement. This fact is a painful reality. A reality that highlights the lack of effectiveness in our efforts as the international community or, if we want to be more honest, our collective inability to prevent crimes against humanity and genocides occurring around the world.

Even days ago, on December 9, the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, even three days before and after that, today, in various corners of the world, particularly in zones of armed conflict, we are witnessing genocidal acts, manifestations and signals that point to the emergence of new crimes against humanity.

Regrettably, the international community tends to pay more attention and talk about genocides and other mass atrocities only after they have already happened and become established facts. We witnessed this in our region not only over 110 years ago in case of the Armenian Genocide but also literally last year, when it seemed that the world could clearly see enough risk factors that could lead to irreversible consequences.

Unfortunately, we were unable to prevent, and today we are witnessing the irreversible consequences. This is one of the examples where the response of international institutions was not proportional to the risk factors and the situation on the ground. And the most significant one of these risk factors, the spread of hatred, ultimately turned from hate speech into a crime.

The example I have provided regarding Armenians applies to the circumstances and causes of all other genocides and mass atrocities, as the foundations, signals and risk factors of such crimes are similar. 

The current situation in the world and the dangerous trends of genocidal risks should make us find more effective ways to save lives. The heavy bureaucratic machinery must become more sensitive and flexible, not only to ensure an effective response, but also to demonstrate equal treatment towards all.

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. Ensuring this cooperation has long become a shared responsibility, in which both the UN Security Council member states and major regional players, involved in decision-making processes, as well as smaller states that often influence the situation on the ground, and often take a leading role in advancing the prevention agenda, have their unique roles to play. In this context, the topics selected for this year’s forum, dedicated to the early identification of risks and the improvement of prevention mechanisms through the cooperation of all stakeholders, are more relevant than ever.

Dear colleagues,

Please consider the assessments I made at the beginning of my speech as a call to unite our willingness, knowledge and determination in the fight to prevent genocides. It is only through solidarity that we can break the chain of despair and strive towards restoring a world order based on human rights.

I would like to conclude my speech with an important provision from the “Prevention of Genocide” resolution:

“All peoples contribute to the diversity and enrichment of civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humanity.” Protecting that heritage, I believe, is the duty of each and every one of us.

I wish the forum participants interesting discussions and productive work.

Thank you.”