UN Human Rights Council Adopts Armenia's Resolution on 'Prevention of Genocide'

On April 3, at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a resolution on 'Prevention of Genocide' presented by Armenia was adopted by consensus. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

'Based on the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,' the biennial resolution draws attention to the risks of recurrence of this crime and the necessity to prevent it. The text of this year's resolution includes important provisions regarding early warning and risks associated with genocides, considering modern challenges.

Specifically, the risks include the use of armed conflicts to commit genocide and the unacceptable nature of starving civilians as a prohibited means of warfare. The resolution characterizes impunity as a significant risk factor for genocides, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, emphasizing that it should be addressed through investigation, prosecution, and punishment.

Notably, the resolution specifically mentions the role of the International Court of Justice in the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. The document provides for a panel discussion on early warning to be held at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is called to encourage the participation of member states and other stakeholders, including the UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, treaty bodies, special procedures, civil society, national human rights institutions, academic circles, and the private sector in this event.

This initiative by Armenia is a significant contribution to strengthening the international agenda for the prevention of genocides and mass atrocities, promoting rights-centric approaches to contemporary challenges, and seeking institutional solutions to intersecting issues of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. It is also important to note that Armenia's resolution on 'Prevention of Genocide' enjoys broad support, co-sponsored by countries from all five regional groups,' the Ministry added.