A high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly was held on Tuesday, focusing on renewed commitment and urgent efforts to stop genocide and other grave crimes against humanity, ensuring such horrors never happen again.
The gathering coincided with the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide, observed every year on December 9.
During his address, Chaloka Beyani, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, cautioned that the global community still has a long road ahead in confronting and preventing genocidal ideologies and actions.
“We must sincerely ask ourselves whether every possible step is being taken to stop the worst crimes known to humanity. The answer is painfully clear: much more must be done,” Beyani said.
He added that when serious accusations of genocide are brought before the General Assembly, and when warning signs clearly show the risk of such crimes, stronger action is urgently needed.
China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Sun Lei, also noted that wars and violent conflicts continue to erupt in different parts of the world, while the scars left by genocide remain deeply rooted. He stressed that racism, hatred, and violence still pose dangerous threats.
He reminded member states that transforming the principles of the Genocide Convention into real global protection is a difficult, ongoing mission.
“Remembering the past is not about holding on to hatred, but about awakening humanity’s desire for peace,” Sun said.
He criticized countries that attempt to rewrite or soften the history of Nazi aggression, saying such actions undermine global justice and challenge the international order established after World War II.
“China strongly opposes this,” he added.
