Ministry Statements & Speeches:
President,
It is my honour today to speak on behalf of Australia, Canada and my own country New Zealand as we mark the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime and reaffirm our shared commitment to the prevention of, and accountability for, this most heinous crime.
Today, we pay tribute to the countless lives lost and acknowledge the enduring pain borne by survivors and affected communities.
Their dignity must remain at the heart of our deliberations.
This occasion reminds us of the historic significance of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted on this day in 1948, which continues to serve as a cornerstone of international law in this field and a moral imperative for all nations.
It is not merely a legal instrument—it is a call to vigilance and action.
The world has seen the catastrophic consequences of indifference and delay.
We must work to ensure that such tragedies never recur.
The alarming proliferation of hate speech, both online and offline, and the targeting of civilians underscore the urgency of our task.
Prevention needs a comprehensive approach: including strengthening early warning mechanisms, addressing underlying causes of conflict, and ensuring accountability through robust national and international judicial processes.
The Responsibility to Protect is an important political commitment in this regard.
It is fundamentally about protecting people from egregious atrocities, including genocide.
President,
Impunity must not be tolerated.
We commend the tireless efforts of civil society, human rights defenders, and encourage the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect to continue to draw attention to situations of risk. We also look forward to discussions to elaborate a convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, which will further reinforce our collective resolve to end impunity for the most serious international crimes.
Let us use this day not only to remember but to recommit—to uphold human dignity, to act decisively in the face of warning signs, and to build a future where the crime of genocide is consigned to history.
Our responsibility is clear, and our determination must be unwavering.
Thank you.