On 30 March, during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the resolution on “Prevention of Genocide” tabled by Armenia was unanimously adopted. .

Biennial resolution is based on the “Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” and has a significant role in transposing the provisions of this important document to the practical areas of the UN policies.  

The resolution aims at promoting the early warning concepts, defining the framework for risk factors which includes hate, discrimination and impunity. The resolution also stresses the importance of timely response which may aid in preventing the escalation of violence. 

By bringing the genocide prevention issue to the international agenda, the resolution underscores its importance among current diplomatic priorities. It contributes to the strengthening of international justice mechanisms and incorporates the international developments and challenges that warrant greater attention at given period. 

The resolution presented this year suggests strengthening of genocide prevention mandate in the framework of the “UN80” reform initiative. It invites the attention to the fact that algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence tools may contribute to the dissemination of disinformation and hate by affecting information flows and undermining human rights. 

The resolution on “Prevention of Genocide” has important contribution to universal ratification of Genocide Convention by encouraging member states who haven’t done so, to join the Convention as a matter of high priority.   

As in previous years, this year too, the resolution on “Genocide Prevention” presented by Armenia enjoys wide cross-regional support testified by the significant number of co-sponsors which has been close to 60 at the moment of adoption. 

The resolution reaffirms the call by Armenia to the international community and the whole world to unite for prevention of the scourge of genocide. 

Information: the previous version of the resolution tabled by Armenia was unanimously adopted on April 3, 2024, during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council.