Secretary-General, in Anniversary Message, Calls on All States to Translate Anti-Genocide Convention into Action Amid Rising Hatred, Racism, Xenophobia

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the seventieth anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime, observed on 9 December:

In the aftermath of the Holocaust and the Second World War, the world came together and adopted a convention to prevent genocide and punish those who commit this heinous crime.  Seventy years later, the prevention of genocide remains a cardinal task for our time.  That is why I launched an appeal for every country to ratify the Genocide Convention.

I urge the 45 remaining States to do so without delay.  And I call on all States to translate the Convention’s words into action to prevent massive human suffering and advance accountability.

At a time of rising anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of hatred, racism and xenophobia, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the equality and dignity of all.  Thank you.