Welcome to a day of remembrance and reflection on the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide. On this day, we honor the progress made in addressing genocide while acknowledging the ongoing challenges in preventing such atrocities worldwide.
By Francesca Merlo
December 9, 1948, marked a significant milestone in human rights history when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG). This groundbreaking treaty codified genocide as a crime for the first time, setting a standard for addressing and punishing such heinous acts.
Despite the adoption of the CPPCG 76 years ago, states and their leaders continue to be accused of genocide, defined as the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race.
Recent concerns about potential genocides in Palestine and Sudan’s Darfur region have raised alarms globally. The situation in Sudan, in particular, has been described by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide as bearing the risk of genocide, with allegations of the crime already being committed.
Similarly, ongoing conflicts in Gaza have led to accusations of genocide by several rights groups against Israel, a claim vehemently denied by the country.
Throughout history, genocides such as the Rwandan genocide and the Armenian genocide have left indelible scars on communities worldwide. The international community’s responses to these atrocities have varied, with some instances of delayed intervention and recognition.
Armenia, 1915-1923
On April 12, 2015, Pope Francis commemorated the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, acknowledging the suffering of the 2 million Armenians killed during the eight years of violence. The genocide targeted the Armenian ethnic group, resulting in forced displacement, death marches, and brutal massacres.
Rwanda, 1994
The Rwandan Genocide of 1994 saw over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus murdered by extremist militias. Despite clear evidence of the unfolding atrocities, the international community was slow to act, resulting in profound loss and devastation.
Following the failures in Rwanda, the international community implemented reforms in UN peacekeeping missions and developed the “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine, emphasizing the responsibility to prevent and intervene in mass atrocities.
Recognition of failure and measures taken
Despite the failures in responding to past genocides, there have been instances of successful intervention, such as in the Bosnian War, where international forces played a crucial role in ending the violence.
Hope
As we confront the ongoing violence and atrocities in the world today, there is hope that the international community can unite to prevent and address genocides. While the road ahead is long, the lessons learned from past atrocities remind us of the importance of humanitarian efforts and collective action. As Pope Francis wisely said, “War is always a defeat. Always.”
