Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan at the UNGA79 Plenary Debate under the Agenda Item 132: “The Responsibility to Protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”

01 July, 2025

Mr. President,

I thank the Secretary-General for his report, which provides a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing global landscape with respect to atrocity crimes.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, in which Member States reaffirmed their collective commitment to the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. That landmark consensus underscored the need for timely and coordinated action to prevent mass atrocities and uphold human dignity.

Today, the global pledge of "never again" remains as urgent and relevant as ever. We are witnessing a troubling erosion of international norms amidst widespread armed conflicts, marked by mass forced displacement, deliberate targeting of civilians and critical infrastructure, destruction of cultural heritage, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, ill-treatment of prisoners of war, and the use of starvation as a method of warfare. State-sponsored hate speech, xenophobia, racism, and religious intolerance, amplified by the spread of new digital technologies, are fueling division, inciting violence, and perpetuating impunity in blatant violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The Secretary-General’s report underscores the troubling reality, that despite clear early warnings and credible evidence of atrocity crimes, preventive action is often delayed or obstructed by indifference, denial, and double standards, leaving vulnerable populations trapped in the midst of escalating atrocities.

Armenia, as a nation that endured the horrors of genocide and continues to face the humanitarian consequences of violence in the region, has witnessed firsthand the devastating cost of inaction as in the case of the NK Armenians.

The UN, through its mandates and mechanisms, bears a responsibility to ensure the effective operation of early warning systems.

Mr. President,

Armenia remains steadfast in supporting global efforts to prevent atrocity crimes and uphold the memory and dignity of victims. We initiated the proclamation of 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, and we continue to present biennial resolution on genocide prevention to the Human Rights Council.

In 2024, Armenia hosted the 5th Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide, which focused on strengthening early warning and response mechanisms. Organized in cooperation with the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, the Forum explored the role of small states in prevention efforts, assessed advancements in UN early warning systems, and promoted accountability and effectiveness across international and regional frameworks.

Recently, Armenia joined the initiative of France and Mexico on veto restraints in the Security Council, which aims to bolster the Council’s ability to act in in cases of mass atrocities.

We underscore the importance of adhering to the binding decisions of international courts and tribunals in securing justice for victims and ensuring accountability. Armenia is committed to combating atrocity crimes, including by engaging with the tools and frameworks of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mr. President,

There is a pressing need to review and strengthen the UN’s existing prevention tools, enhance early response capacity, and build a more accountable and effective system for addressing the root causes of atrocity crimes and ensuring justice. The collective failure to prevent atrocity crimes not only leaves vulnerable populations at risk, but also undermines the credibility of multilateral institutions, calling into question the shared commitment to the Responsibility to Protect.

I thank you.

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