“Prevention of genocide” resolution proposed by Armenia adopted at the UNO by consensus
On March 27, 2015 the “Prevention of genocide” resolution initiated by Armenia was adopted at the 28th session of the UNO Human Rights Council by consensus. 64 states introducing all the regional groups of the Human Rights Council joined Armenia and co-authored the resolution. The resolution will be open for the co-authoring for two more weeks. The resolution reaffirms that impunity for the crime of genocide and crimes against humanity encourages the repetition of such crimes and is a serious obstacle to the cooperation among peoples for ensuring international peace and security and highlights that fight against impunity is an important tool for prevention of such crimes. It is highlighted in the resolution initiated by Armenia that the attempts of rejection of crime of genocide and its justification endanger the fight against impunity and hamper the efforts made for prevention of crime of genocide. The resolution reaffirms the importance of mechanisms of the Universal Periodic Review inviting the states to introduce information on the steps taken for prevention of crime of genocide and other massive crimes in their national reports. The resolution calls on the UNO member countries to strengthen the cooperation within the frames of operating mechanisms for prevention of genocides as well as for prevention of massive, serious and periodic violations against human rights, which are possible to turn into genocides. The document stresses the importance of education in the process of prevention of genocides by calling on the governments of the member countries to promote awareness of genocide through relevant educational programs. As a preventive measure the resolution calls on the UNO member countries to set genocide remembrance days so that such crimes are never forgotten and everyone has opportunity to promote more secure future based on the lessons of the past The resolution recommends that the UNO General Assembly designate December 9- the day a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted, as Memorial Day of Victims of Crime of Genocide. It is noteworthy that this important resolution initiated by Armenia has been adopted ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
