Speaking at a high-level UN meeting in New York on December 8, marking the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan stated that neither international legal frameworks nor global and regional mechanisms have succeeded in preventing genocide or mass atrocities.

The event, titled “Early Warning and Early Action for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention: Strengthening Global Partnerships,” was co-hosted by Armenia and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention.

Abisoghomonyan emphasized that progress in technology and warfare has not reduced civilian casualties in conflict. In this context, he stressed the urgency of a timely response and coordinated international action for effective prevention. He also underlined that identifying and addressing grave human rights violations, especially against vulnerable groups, must be central to any early warning system.

The deputy minister outlined conceptual challenges facing early warning and response mechanisms, noting the need for balanced integration of operational and political components. He highlighted the significance of the Fifth Global Forum against the Crime of Genocide, held in Armenia in 2024, as an important platform in this effort.

Abisoghomonyan also addressed the broader UN reform process linked to its 80th anniversary, stressing the need for systemic changes in light of widespread violations of global and regional agreements and the increasing dominance of security agendas in state policies. These dynamics, he argued, underscore the urgency of revitalizing the UN system.

He concluded by reaffirming Armenia’s commitment to strengthening the UN’s prevention and risk assessment capacities, as well as mechanisms of accountability for crimes against humanity.

On September 5, 2025, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution initiated by Armenia proclaiming a “Decade of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.”

On December 9, Armenia is leading a high-level meeting at the UN to mark the start of this decade-long initiative.