Side Event in Commemoration of the 69th Anniversary of the signing of the Genocide Convention

Multi-stakeholder meeting to mark the third International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

“ The Duty to Honour Victims by Preventing & Punishing Genocide”

Background

On 9 December every year, the world observes the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime (“World Genocide Commemoration Day”). World Genocide Commemoration Day was established by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015. 9th of December was selected because the date is the anniversary of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”).

The purpose of the day, as declared by the United Nations, is :

“to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of Genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.”

Objectives

To raise awareness and facilitate multi-stakeholder discussion in respect of the crime of genocide. To promote a better understanding of past genocides and responses to them as a means of seeking justice and informing better policy and practical solutions to current and future threats.

Main themes

. Memory: Remembering the victims of genocide and honouring them by resolving to take positive and meaningful steps in their names.

. Truth: The importance of establishing a reliable and comprehensive public record of incidents of genocide from which we can learn and educate future generations.

. Justice and accountability: The shared obligation to end impunity by prosecuting fairly and swiftly those responsible for genocide, wherever and whenever it happens.

. Combatting genocide denial: Denial is the final stage of any genocide. It perpetuates the suffering caused and undermines efforts to promote reconciliation , unity and peace.

. Prevention: We dishonor the memory of victims of past genocides if we fail to meet the international responsibility to protect groups of people at risk of destruction today. The often-repeated mantra “Never Again” must be delivered through practical efforts to prevent future atrocities.

Concept Note and List of Speakers

See attached concept note and list of speakers