New York, On the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, the United Nations Secretary-General emphasized the critical need to remember and learn from the dark lessons of history. Seventy-five years after the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the message of “never again” faces challenges in a world marked by division, mistrust, and conflict.

According to United Nation Pakistan, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, which calls for the Convention and its message to remain a vital force in today’s world. The commitment to preventing genocide necessitates all governments not only ratifying but fully implementing the Convention and holding perpetrators accountable.

The Secretary-General underscored the need for a global effort to establish and strengthen mechanisms for the prevention of genocide. This includes educating new generations about past genocides and combating mis- and disinformation, which can incite hate speech and genocidal actions. Additionally, the United Nations, particularly through the work of the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, plays a crucial role in identifying early warning signs and raising alarms.

In his message, the Secretary-General called for a collective commitment to be translated into concrete action. He urged the global community to keep the memories of the victims and survivors of genocide at the forefront of efforts to prevent such atrocities from happening again.