GENEVA, Feb 1 2024 – The 75th anniversary of the Genocide Convention is a stark reminder of the urgent need for its application as a living force in society today. On December 9, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, marking it as the first human rights treaty.
Raphael Lemkin, the Polish lawyer who coined the term genocide, understood the importance of laws in protecting vulnerable populations. He witnessed the atrocities of the Second World War, losing almost fifty members of his own family. Haunted by these experiences, Lemkin questioned why there was no specific name for the systematic killing of individuals based on their identity.
The Convention aimed to address this gap by defining genocide as the intentional destruction, in whole or in part, of a racial, national, ethnic, or religious group. It was a landmark moment in the development of international criminal law.
However, ratification alone is not enough. The Convention must be implemented effectively, with concrete steps taken at the national level to identify and address early warning signs of genocide. All nations, regardless of ratification status, are bound by the principle that genocide is a crime under international law, and they have a responsibility to prevent and punish it.
Tragically, we continue to witness genocidal acts around the world. Protection fails those who need it most. Today, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the Convention, it is crucial to reflect on both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead.
Since its adoption, the Convention has shaped international criminal law, serving as the foundation for the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and other regional tribunals. 153 states have ratified or acceded to the Convention, but it is disheartening that 41 United Nations Member States have not done so.
On this Day of Commemoration and Dignity, we honor the victims of genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such crimes. We call on all nations to renew their commitment to the Genocide Convention and make it a living force in our societies. We must learn from the lessons of the past 75 years and work together to ensure accountability and justice.
The road ahead is challenging, but with determination and collective action, we can strive towards a world free from the horrors of genocide. Let us remember Raphael Lemkin’s words that small countries need the protection of laws. It is our duty to ensure that the Genocide Convention becomes a beacon of protection for all humanity, regardless of their religion, nationality, or race.
