Ministry of Foreign Affairs Condemns Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement in connection with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Genocide, stating: “On December 9, 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the first international human rights treaty, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Convention clearly records that 'Throughout history, genocides have caused great harm to humanity,' thus confirming that genocidal crimes occurred even before the ratification of the Convention.

The Armenian Genocide served as an important example for the drafting of the Genocide Convention, a fact publicly acknowledged by Raphael Lemkin, the author of the Convention's text. Another crucial feature of the aforementioned Convention is that the states party to this document assume a legal obligation not only to punish but also to prevent genocides – a matter that is vital for the universal protection of national, ethnic, religious, and racial groups.

Despite the significant work done, the international community still needs to exert additional efforts to respond in a timely and adequate manner, including condemning gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and holding genocidal states accountable.

Today, the methods and forms of committing genocides differ; however, the aspirations of those justifying genocide through mass atrocities to achieve geopolitical goals remain unchanged. In 2015, through the efforts of Armenia, December 9 was enshrined in the UN list of international days as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime.

The resolution on the prevention of genocide, introduced by Armenia to the UN Human Rights Council in 2020 and adopted by consensus, clearly states that the justification of genocide, biased assessments of past crimes, and denial increase the risk of violence reoccurring.

In order to exclude the recurrence of genocides, it is important to maintain historical memory, promote education, and disseminate accurate information about past events. The intentional destruction of cultural heritage is condemnable, as it is precisely cultural heritage that creates the opportunity to preserve national or religious identity. Manifestations of superiority over national, ethnic, religious, or racial groups, or justifications for using force against them, are unacceptable.

The Republic of Armenia will consistently continue its work to raise awareness about past genocides, the risks of impunity, and new challenges.”