FRANCIS DENG: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT THE RISK OF GENOCIDE

armradio.am
09.12.2009 11:08

Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of
Genocide issued a message to mark the anniversary of the adoption
of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime
of Genocide.

"The ninth of December marks the day in 1948 when the United Nations
adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime
of Genocide, an appreciation of the necessity that all states work
together to prevent a recurrence of the Holocaust and other mass
atrocities that preceded the Convention.

Throughout history, genocide has occurred in societies where different
national, racial, ethnic or religious groups become involved in
conflicts related to their identities. However, it is not mere identity
differences that cause genocidal conflicts, as genocide is often
preceded by serious discriminatory practices and other human rights
violations against the targeted groups often reflecting an exclusionary
ideology and eliminationist policies on the part of those in power.

Genocides may no longer take the shape and form of the Holocaust and
will occur in times of peace where targeted groups are subject to
long term practices and policies affecting their ability to exist
as an identity group, and in the context of intra-state as well as
inter-state conflicts. Authoritarian rule, absence of the rule of law,
the proliferation of small arms and impunity contribute to the risk
of genocide. Processes that should otherwise be uneventful, such as
elections, can under such circumstances turn deadly.

Too often, the international community has failed to remain
vigilant to the various manifestations of genocidal situations,
such as "ethnic-cleansing" and targeting of civilian groups from
which armed elements draw their membership. These situations are
typically labeled as military and "counter-terrorism" strategies and
highlight the ongoing necessity to understand genocide and therefore
prevent the destruction of groups representing nationalities, races,
ethnicities and religions.

The international community has a responsibility to prevent the risk
of genocide. All States are called upon to implement the preventive
aspects of the Convention and to support efforts to prevent massive and
serious human rights violations that could lead to genocide. We must
work to eradicate all kinds of discrimination and promote tolerance,
respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, and discourage anything
which tends to strengthen identity-based division, wherever it occurs.

Genocide is a crime against all of humankind and affects all of
humanity. The choices we make on how and when we decide to respond to
prevent genocide reflect our fundamental values, our commitment to
protect civilian populations and human groups and the "never again"
promises we have repeatedly made to victims of past genocides that
they will be the last."