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The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) observes December 9 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 through Resolution 69/323, this annual day underscores the significance of memorializing and remembering victims as a means of averting future genocides. Every year, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide hosts a high-level event to observe this International Day, honoring genocide victims and marking the anniversary of the Convention.
This year’s event takes place in between two landmark commemorations. In April 2024, Rwanda marked 30 years since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. In July 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina will mark 30 years since the 1995 Srebrenica genocide. Thus, the event will be dedicated to the role of commemoration and memorialization efforts not only to honor the victims and survivors of genocide, but also as effective mechanisms for the prevention of future genocides. It will focus on the experiences of Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina to explore the ways in which commemoration and memory of past genocides serve as an essential component of prevention.
Commemoration and memorialization initiatives are inextricably linked to the two obligations set forth by the Genocide Convention, namely, the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. By promoting truth-telling and healing, fostering a culture of peace education, social cohesion and respect for diversity, keeping a record of the past and collecting testimonies of victims and survivors, establishing and maintaining archives, and contributing to reducing instances of genocide denial and glorification of war criminals, such efforts significantly contribute to the implementation of these two key obligations.
At AIPG, we envision a world where genocides and mass atrocities are eradicated, and we believe in a collaborative strategy to achieve this. By partnering with scholars and civil society leaders, we aim to equip governments, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies worldwide with the knowledge and resources needed to address and tackle these critical issues.
Acknowledging the crucial role of education and memorialization in preventing atrocity crimes, AIPG prioritizes these elements in its approach to prevention. Through our technical support and capacity-building initiatives, we actively help implement strategies aimed at prevention, consistently reinforcing the 'never again' commitment in every region we serve. United in our efforts, we work toward a future where the lessons of past atrocities stand as a strong reminder of our collective duty to ensure they are never repeated.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, shares his message for 2024 below.
Today marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.Adopted in the wake of the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust, the Convention is a pledge to the victims and survivors of genocide to ensure that these atrocities never occur again.Tragically, in a world plagued by division, mistrust and violence, the dark spectre of genocide is still with us. In the name of the victims and survivors of genocide, all governments must ratify and fully implement the Convention, holding perpetrators to account. We must strengthen the tools of prevention, including education and countering mis- and disinformation that can fuel hate speech and genocidal intent and action.We must respect and implement decisions of the International Court of Justice on the application of the Convention.And we must do everything possible to identify early warning signs and sound the alarm.The best way to honour the victims and survivors of genocide is to ramp up action to prevent this atrocious crime
