News

United Nations marks 75 years of the Genocide Convention, making an urgent call to keep its promise as a living force in world society for all communities at risk today

event photoUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that “in today’s world of deep division, mistrust and conflict, we remain confronted by the enduring menace of this atrocious crime (of genocide); in danger of forgetting the dark lessons of the past”, in a message to mark the 75th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

Read the Press release here.

"A Living Force in World Society: The Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide"
SAVE THE DATE: 8 December 2023
11:00 am - 1:00 pm | UNHQ Trusteeship Chamber

event photoEvery year, on 9 December, the Office of UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a crucial global commitment that was made at the founding of the United Nations. By General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/323 of 29 September 2015, that day also became the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. Every year, this commemoration highlights a specific aspect connected to the importance of preserving the memory of the victims and strengthening collective efforts aimed at prevention.

At its landmark 75th anniversary this year, the Genocide Convention remains highly relevant. It has played a vital role in the development of international criminal law as we know it today. And because of its focus on prevention, the Convention has helped to galvanize support to build resilience towards the prevention of the crime of genocide at the national, regional and international levels. Genocide is still a threat in the world today. Around the world, populations remain at risk of this crime. The need to invest in prevention as envisaged by the Convention drafters 75 years ago remains as relevant as ever.

With a view of reflecting on the way forward, we are pleased to unveil the theme of this year’s International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime as: “A Living Force in World Society: The Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”. It constitutes an opportunity to reflect on its living legacy, from the punishment/accountability and the prevention perspective, and to renew the global commitment to prevent genocide amidst concerning rising risk factors for this crime across the world.

This year’s commemoration of the International Day will include a number of key events. On 8 December 2023, a high-level event at the United Nations Headquarters will serve as a culmination of sustained advocacy and a series of expert discussions. The event will feature high-level opening remarks; a panel discussion on the living legacy of the Convention, bringing together experts and practitioners in the field; and a spotlight on the global champions of prevention, whose dedicated work has contributed to the prevention and/or punishment of the crime of genocide.

Read the Concept note here and here is the media advisory.

Watch live.
Register for the event.

Role and responsibility of States and social media platforms in preventing direct and public incitement to genocide in the digital space

event photo(Geneva - New York, NY; 5 December 2023) An intersessional meeting, convened by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution 49/9 on the prevention of genocide to mark the 75th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was held in Geneva on 4 December, focusing on the role of social media platforms and their instrumentalization by those seeking to spread hate leading to real-world discrimination and violence.

The meeting heard from Member States, the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, representatives of treaty bodies, Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and regional human rights mechanisms, as well as civil society, and national human rights institutions, academic experts, and other stakeholders in open-space discussion over three dedicated panels.

Opening the meeting, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reminded that “genocide is often preceded or accompanied by statements from political leaders and other public figures that dehumanize and demonize people from targeted communities. Disinformation campaigns on social media can further amplify these statements, until condoning and justifying violence becomes normalized. The knowledge that the international community is monitoring statements and events, and that justice will come, has deterrent impact on perpetrators”.

Religious leaders and actors are championing the Genocide Convention, but the global commitment to prevent genocide must be renewed across the world

(New York, 29 November 2023) The Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (UNOSAPG) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) hosted the side-event with religious leaders and actors at the United Nations Headquarters, New York facilitating a discussion on their role in upholding the values and principles of the 1948 Genocide Convention. The event was held on the margins of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention).


The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited South Sudan from 7 to 11 November 2016 due to growing concern at developments there, including reports of violence targeting different ethnic groups. The aim of the visit was to carry out an assessment of the situation from the perspective of his mandate in order to better understand the landscape of ethnically-fuelled violence – including hate speech and incitement to violence – and the risk that this violence could lead to further atrocity crimes, including genocide.

He met with United Nations colleagues, senior government officials, civil society groups, religious leaders, community members and diplomatic representatives in Juba. He also visited a “protection of civilians” site in Juba and travelled to Yei town in Yei River State to meet with members of the community and government. Yei, which until recently had been spared the violence seen in other areas, has now been identified as a conflict “hot spot” with escalating violence against multiple tribal groups in Yei and in the Central Equatorian State, of which Yei River State is a part.

"The Role of Religious Communities in Upholding and Implementing the Genocide Convention"
SAVE THE DATE: 28 November 2023
10:00 am - 11:45 am | UNHQ ECOSOC Chamber

event photoOn the margins of the 75th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention) commemoration, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) are organizing an event highlighting the role of religious leaders and faith communities in upholding and implementing the values and principles of the 1948 Genocide Convention at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Watch live here. Register for the event here.

THE DANGERS OF HATE SPEECH CAN BE STYMIED THROUGH SPORTS – UN SPECIAL ADVISER NDERITU

Sports has the unifying power to stop the next hate crime, including incitement to commit genocide and other related crimes, UN Under-Secretary-General Alice Wairimu Nderitu said in Boston, in remarks to partners of an initiative dedicated to countering hate speech through sports.
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New UN policy paper launched on countering and addressing online hate speech

The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect has today launched a new policy paper on countering and addressing hate speech online. The policy paper, Countering and Addressing Online Hate Speech: A Guide for Policy Makers and Practitioners, was developed jointly by the UN Office with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Human Rights, Big Data and Technology Project at the University of Essex..
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UN chief calls for renewed efforts to counter ‘toxic and destructive phenomenon’ of hate speech, high-level event marking the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech held on 19 June

event photoUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged renewed efforts to counter the ‘toxic and destructive phenomenon’ of hate speech, in a message to mark the second anniversary of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. “Hate speech is used to stoke fear and division, often for political gain, and at immense cost to communities and societies. It incites violence, exacerbates tensions, and impedes efforts to foster mediation and dialogue. It is one of the warning signs of genocide and other atrocity crimes,” he said.

Watch the event here.

Mr. Guterres’ message was delivered by his Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and the UN Focal Point on Hate Speech, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, at an event to commemorate the day at the UN headquarters in New York. Co-organized by the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco, the event focused on showcasing positive examples of the UN and its partners implementing country-level action to counter and address hate speech, in line with the United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. The Secretary-General spotlighted the strategy, launched four years ago, as “our comprehensive framework for tackling the causes and impacts of hate speech in line with international human rights standards.” Speaking after delivering the Secretary-General’s message, his Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide noted that the real-life impact of the spread of hate speech “is seen daily, from hate crimes, to discrimination, large scale violence, and in the most serious cases, genocide”.

“We cannot relent in our efforts to tackle this insidious threat,” said Special Adviser Nderitu, urging action that considers the impact of hate speech on those targeted and society more broadly from a prevention perspective. In his opening remarks, the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi noted that “hate speech is an attack on human dignity and one of the most toxic forms of misinformation”. “We must address it because we know that hate speech leads to hate crimes,” he said. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN, Omar Hilale, said this International Day was more than a celebration or completion, but "a real call to action to face this insidious scourge which undermines peace, stability and development, and undermines human dignity and human rights”.

Other speakers at the event included the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilization Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director for the Crisis Bureau, Asako Okai, the Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs - Department of Peace Operations, Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, the Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia for the Department of Development Cooperation, Ms. Gwi Yeop Son, and the Chair of the Project Aladdin, Ms. Leah Pisar.

Smurfs team up with UN for a kinder world where there is no space for hate speech

Ahead of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 18 June 2023, the beloved Smurfs are joining the United Nations to show the impact of hate speech and ways to counter it.
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New initiative to enhance role of women in countering hate speech launched

The United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (OSAPG) has today launched a new initiative that will serve as a blueprint for enhancing the role of women in countering hate speech and prevent incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes.
The Plan of Action for Women in Communities to Counter Hate Speech and Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes (The Napoli Women in Communities Plan of Action) is based on a year-long consultation with women across the world working in the field of countering hate speech and preventing atrocity crimes, and its goal is to ensure that women contribute more systematically and significantly to countering hate speech and preventing incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes. Read more
Watch the entire launch here


"IT BEGINS WITH WORDS AND EACH OF US: EFFECTIVE ACTION TO COUNTER HATE SPEECH"
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, 19 June 2023
11:00 pm-1:00 pm EST

High-level event to mark the 2nd International Day for Countering Hate Speech: Showcasing champions of good practices on tackling hate speech from across the world.

Please RSVP here.

Watch live here.
For additional information, please contact:
osapg@un.org or bouchikhi.hanaa.un@gmail.com

Flyer invite with full details PDF >>

The United Nations - Eradicate Hate Sports Summit hosted by Liverpool Football Club brings together sports leagues in fight against hate speech

From the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Eradicate Hate Sports Summit hosted by Liverpool Football Club which brought together sports leagues in fight against hate speech

More than 100 representatives from sports leagues and clubs across the United Kingdom and USA gathered at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium this week for the United Nations and Eradicate Hate Global Sports Working Group Summit. The Summit was organized as a first in-depth look at the Plan of Action to Counter Hate Speech through Engagement with Sports - the GAME PLAN. The Plan of Action to Counter Hate Speech through Engagement with Sports was officially launched by the United Nations Secretary-General at the high-level event on 9 December 2022, and was developed by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect in collaboration with the Eradicate Hate Global Summit. The document provides recommendations of actions to identify and combat hate speech and promote positive messages through outreach initiatives, identification of success stories, and comprehensive training.

“The GAME PLAN is based on the knowledge that the perpetrator of a hate crime most often has encountered hate speech that dehumanized his/her target. It is also based on the fact that most perpetrators are like most ordinary people who are, like you and me, sports fans. As we look at the GAME Plan together with the Sports Leagues, let’s drive community-level actions and engage as many sports partners as possible globally in our fight against hate speech and atrocity crimes”, the UN Special Adviser Nderitu added in her remarks.

The Summit included representatives from Premier League clubs and football authorities, and several major UK and US sports, including Formula 1, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), NASCAR, Rugby England, and Rugby Football League.


"Genocide: moving on whilst looking back"

An interview with Alice Wairimu Nderitu, for the UN’s International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Read more

"THE ROLE OF SPORTS IN ATROCITY PREVENTION"
Event held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber, UNHQ
New York, NY USA
Friday, 9 December 2022
11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST

The event is to mark the 74th Anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
Follow the LIVE WEBCAST on UN WebTV
Read the press release >>

"Fostering Prevention through Sports"
SAVE THE DATE: Monday, 5 December 2022
1:00 pm-2:00 pm EST

In order to build the ground for the upcoming discussions on 9 December, this webinar will explore how sports can contribute to inclusive and peaceful communities, promote a culture of respect for diversity, and strengthen the resilience of individuals and communities against atrocities.

Speakers:

  • Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Under-Secretary-General/Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
  • Ms. Michele Rosenthal, Co-Chair, Sport Working Group, Eradicate Hate Global Summit
  • Ms. Laura Ellsworth, Co-Chair, Eradicate Hate Global Summit
  • Mr. Billy Bean, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Major League Baseball
  • Ms. Zineb Curran, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Boston Red Sox
  • Mr. Rishi Jain, Senior Manager, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Liverpool Football Club
  • Mr. David Friedman, Executive Vice President, Legal and Government Affairs; Chief Compliance Officer, Boston Red Sox
  • Ms. Christie Joseph, Senior Vice President of People and Business Administration, Pegula Sports and Entertainment
  • Ms. Christie Joseph, Senior Vice President of People and Business Administration, Pegula Sports and Entertainment
  • Mr. Pete Stuart, Senior Director, Social Responsibility, NASCAR
Link to join the Meeting. If prompted, please enter the following info to join:
Webinar number: 2340 415 6905
Webinar password: OSAPG22!Webinar

Flyer invite with full details PDF >>

"Lessons-identified from International Criminal Law"
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Time: 9.00 AM EST

The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) would like to invite you to a webinar on "Lessons-identified from International Criminal Law". The session will focus on sharing experiences on judicial administration and case management with the anticipation of a potential future use to establish a sustainable accountability mechanism, or to assist in the process of reforming the national judiciary. This experience is transferable to tribunals, courts, any other form of accountability mechanism and peacekeeping missions.

Speakers: Judge Ivana Hrdličková, President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, with remarks from Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Under-Secretary-General/Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.
Facilitated by: Mr. Martin Ejidike, Chief of Office, OSAPG.

Link to join the Meeting. If prompted, please enter the following info to join:
Webinar number: 2348 357 1515
Webinar password: UNLERN22!

Flyer invite with full details PDF >>

The UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect Supports a Project to Promote Mutual Trust Between the Malian Armed Forces and Communities in Douentza and Hairé, Mali.

In central Mali, the Malian Defence and Security Forces (MDSF) work to secure populations and restore stability to a region marked by the presence of radical armed groups exploiting long-standing cleavages between communities to incite intercommunal violence. With the rapid deterioration of security particularly in Douentza region, national authorities adopted a hardline militarist approach in response to the violent jihadist insurgency. However, in the face of inter-communal violence and based on a prejudiced notion of the ethnic composition of the radical armed groups, the MDSF were often perceived by some communities as biased in conducting their operations.

Lack of communication between the communities and the security forces perpetuated such existing perceptions and responses, and reinforced ingrained military reactions to security threats, which viewed communities with suspicion and fueled further civilian grievances and divisions. The cycle of mistrust thwarted collaboration and undermined peaceful and constructive relations between the security forces and the local population. In 2022, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, in collaboration with the Civil Affairs Division of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and an international NGO, International Alert, supported a project aimed at promoting mutual trust among the MDSF and the local population. The project supported several activities including civil-military dialogue sessions, joint local peace initiatives as well as microprojects fostering social cohesion between MSDF and the local population.

According to a recent assessment conducted by a joint MINUSMA mission, the project has effectively achieved its purpose by increasing awareness of the roles, rights and mutual responsibilities of the parties involved through the creation and facilitation of spaces for civil-military dialogue and by fostering collaborative relations between the uniformed forces and communities through joint small-scale initiatives. Among the most meaningful results has been the installation of MDSF checkpoints in three distinct locations within Boni village, as requested by civilians and implemented in parallel with civil-military dialogues held in March and April of this year -- ultimately strengthening security in the town. Other positive results include sporting and social events now held between the MDSF and the youth of Boni and Douentza, which would have been unthinkable prior to the project’s implementation. The project was unanimously lauded by both military and civilian beneficiaries as especially useful and satisfactory.

group photo

Picture after the project launch with the regional head of Douentza, May 2022


men sitting at the head of a table with a banner behind them

Picture of project launch, March 2022


Group photo

Reflection workshop with participants, May 2022

Workshop on: Atrocity Crimes Prevention through Education in Southeast Asian Region – Secondary Education

From 16-18 September, the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG), jointly with the Documentation Center for Cambodia organized a three-day workshop on atrocity crimes prevention through education.

The workshop brought together secondary level teachers and education officials from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam with the purpose of strengthening their capacities on how to integrate atrocity prevention in education curricula. The workshop included presentations on key concepts and pedagogical tools and benefitted from the rich experience and knowledge of the participants on how this can be utilized in the region. This workshop was the last in a series of three training workshops organized jointly by OSAPG and DC Cam since 2021 and will result in the publication, later this year, of a teachers’ guidebook for integrating atrocity prevention through education in the Southeast Asia region.

The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, gave opening remarks at the workshop in which she welcomed the cooperation between her Office and DC Cam as well as the engagement and commitment of the participants throughout the process. She also reiterated the support of the Office in working with the participants in implementing the finalized guidebook.

workshop in progressworkshop in progress

United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect Convened Women to Develop Plan of Action for Women in Atrocity Prevention within Communities

Napoli - On 13-14 July, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention of the Responsibility to Protect organised a two-day technical global consultation in Naples, Italy, with women from Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Europe, that resulted in a Plan of Action for Women in Preventing Atrocity Crimes within Communities. The consultation was organised with the support of the Italian Government. Participants included the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Marina Sereni, the Minister of Women Affairs of Nigeria, Dame Pauline Tallen, as well as women active in sustaining peace and preventing atrocities in different contexts.

The prevention of atrocity crimes is a largely securitized and male dominated field. Women are often kept out of decision-making roles despite their knowledge, skills and experience. This is despite research having made the case for the importance of women’s full participation in all peace process efforts and several commitments at national, regional, and international levels. It is also well documented that group-based differences and inequalities increase the risk of atrocities in society. Hence, it can be plausibly argued that many atrocities, have their roots in the failure to develop effective frameworks for ensuring inclusion, a key factor of which is the absence of women in decision making roles. It is hence of paramount importance to systematically include women in atrocity prevention.

The Plan of Action entails actions that women can take to prevent atrocity crimes within the communities they operate, as well as actions that other stakeholders, including Governments, civil society and international organisations can implement to support the role of women in this regard. The recommendations in the Plan of Action focused on three main areas:

  • Strengthen protection structures for women in atrocity crime contexts to contribute to atrocity prevention
  • Strengthen and support the role of women, with technical know-how, and capacity building in preventing atrocity crimes and their incitement
  • Provide knowledge-sharing opportunities

In line with the recommendations of the Plan of Action, a Global Network of Women in Atrocity Prevention within Communities was also established. The Plan of Action that was named after the city of Napoli will be launched at an event organised with the Permanent Mission of Italy in New York during the 77th session of the United Nations.

The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited Bosnia-Herzegovina to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide

On 9-12 July, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in events to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.

During her visit, the Special Adviser participated in and delivered remarks at an International Conference on ‘Srebrenica Heroines: Marking the 27th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide through the experiences of women’. On 11 July, the Special Adviser also participated in the official ceremony at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre in Potočari to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

In her statement on the day, the Special Adviser expressed her solidarity with the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, some of whom are still missing, the survivors, and their families. She further expressed her concern over denialism and revisionism about past atrocity crimes, such as the Srebrenica genocide, including from the highest political levels. Noting that denialism and revisionism is not only painful, it is a direct barrier to reconciliation. She urged all leaders to address existing concerns, including on hate speech and expressed the UNs to continued support in promoting positive trust building initiatives to enhance reconciliation in the country.

During her visit the Special Adviser met with different stakeholders, including H.E Mr. Sefik Dzeferovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, the President of the International Residual Mechanism for the Criminal Tribunals, Ms. Munira Subasic, President of the Movement of Mothers of Srebrenica as well as with members of the international community in Sarajevo and the UN Country Team.

Official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (9-12 July) - Press notice

(9 July 2022) The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, is in Bosnia and Herzegovina on an official visit from 9-12 July to participate in events to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.

The visit builds on the Special Adviser’s previous visit to the country in June 2021 during which she met with senior government officials, civil society, victim’s groups and other interlocuters across the country.

During her visit, the Special Adviser will participate in and deliver remarks at an International Conference on ‘Srebrenica Heroines: Marking the 27th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide through the experiences of women’. The conference is being organized on 10 July in Srebrenica.

On 11 July, the Special Adviser will participate in the official ceremony at the Srebrenica Memorial Centre in Potočari to commemorate the victims of the genocide.

The Special Adviser will also hold meetings with different stakeholders during her visit.

Debate of the General Assembly on the responsibility to protect

(23-24 June 2022) “Make the prevention of atrocity crimes a living reality, not least for children and youth.” With these words, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Nderitu set the tone for the 2022 debate of the General Assembly on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, which took place on 23 and 24 June 2022. The debate was informed by the report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect (A/76/844-S/2022/428) entitled ‘Responsibility to protect: prioritizing children and young people’. It was the first formal debate since the General Assembly’s decision to include the responsibility to protect in its annual agenda in resolution A/Res/75/277.

In her introductory remarks, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Nderitu highlighted the role of the General Assembly as the primary intergovernmental body to debate and advance the responsibility to protect. She acknowledged that important steps have been taken to establish and implement frameworks for early warning at the national, regional, and international level, but more remained to be done to make prevention a reality for all. Introducing the report of the Secretary-General, Special Adviser Nderitu drew attention to the grave impact of atrocity crimes on children. She called on Member States and other relevant actors to make protecting children and youth from atrocity crimes a priority.

During the debate, 61 Member States speaking on behalf of 91 Member States from all regions of the world took the floor, sending a strong signal of interest in for the agenda item. Most Member States welcomed the theme of this year’s report. Many expressed concerns over children and youth being disproportionately affected by atrocity crimes in both armed conflict and non-armed-conflict situations. Some Member States also highlighted the potential of youth as agents of change and the importance to include them in prevention efforts.

Member States also welcomed the opportunity to engage on the topic of the responsibility to protect more generally. Interventions covered a wide array of issues, ranging from the continued relevance of the responsibility to protect and the need to implement it, the responsibility of United Nations intergovernmental bodies in the prevention of atrocity crimes, and the importance of linking early warning with early response. Some Member States also highlighted the relevance of connecting the responsibility to protect with other mutually reinforcing and complementary United Nations agendas, such as the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Agenda and Agenda 2030, the Sustaining Peace Agenda, the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

A number Member States voiced their continued concern over the scope, definition, and rules of application of the responsibility to protect and emphasized the centrality of State sovereignty. The Office of the Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect intends to hold further consultations with Member States in an effort to advance consensus.

This being the first debate since Mr. George Okoth-Obbo was appointed as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, many Member States welcomed him and wished him success in the implementation of his mandate. Many also endorsed the work of the Special Advisers on the Prevention of Genocide and on the Responsibility to Protect as well as the work of the Office in advancing atrocity prevention.

Prevention Crucial in Upholding Principle of Responsibility to Protect Children, Youth, Speakers Tell General Assembly - Meetings Coverage

Member States’ commitment to uphold the responsibility to protect its populations, in particular children and youth, from crimes of atrocity, must be centred in prevention in order to make the principle a living reality, speakers stressed, as the General Assembly today held its first annual debate on the topic.
Read the meetings coverage notes >>

Violence, rhetoric, hate speech, drive atrocity crimes in Ukraine and beyond, Security Council hears

The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide briefed the Security Council on Tuesday, reinforcing concerns already voiced by other senior UN officials in the chamber, over “the heightened risks” of sexual violence, and trafficking, which are “significantly impacting women and children”, following the Russian invasion of 24 February.
Read the full article >>

General Assembly Holds Informal High-Level Event to Commemorate First International Day for Countering Hate Speech on 20 June

On 20 June 2022, the President of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, held an informal high-level event to commemorate the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as established by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on the “Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the fight against Hate Speech”. This milestone resolution was adopted by consensus on 21 July 2021.
Read the press release >>

Commemorating the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, 18 June 2022 - Press release

(20 June 2022) Today the President of the General Assembly held an informal high-level event to commemorate the first International Day for Countering Hate Speech, as established by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on the "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in the fight against Hate Speech". This milestone resolution was adopted by consensus on 21 July 2021.

On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and UN Focal Point on Hate Speech, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, stressed that “hate speech is a danger to everyone and fighting it is a job for everyone”. Special Adviser Nderitu called Member Stated to commit and act to end hate speech by promoting respect for diversity and inclusion.

The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Abdulla Shahid, commended the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and urged its prompt implementation by Member States. The United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech was launched by the UN Secretary-General on 18 June 2019 and includes 13 commitments for action fully embedded in international human rights law, in particular the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and in line with Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

On the sideline of this commemorative event, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized, on 17 June, a high-level side event on the “Role of education to address the root causes of hate speech and advance inclusion, non-discrimination and peace”. Building on the recommendations of the Global Education Ministers Conference, convened by the UN Secretary-General on 26 October 2021, on the role of education as a tool to address and counter hate speech, the side event highlighted existing good practices and lessons learnt from Member States, the UN system and civil society. 

In her opening remarks at the side event, Special Adviser Nderitu referred to the International Day as an important opportunity for the international community to reflect on the challenges posed by hate speech, including how this phenomenon undermines democratic values, social stability, peace, and the enjoyment of international human rights for everyone without discrimination. The Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, highlighted the role of the Kingdom of Morocco in contributing to wider global efforts to address hate speech, including by upholding the principles of coexistence and integration as well as the teachings of moderate Islam. 

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Abdulla Shahid, underlined the insidious effects of hate speech and reiterated the importance of collective responsibility to address this phenomenon and its impacts on communities. He also stressed the need to equip learners with knowledge and skills to counter hate speech online and offline and to teach the new generations to take responsibility for their online behavior.

 Emphasizing the importance of focusing more on what people have in common rather than on what separates them, High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, stated that hate flourishes in ignorance, hence education must be used to tackle it. 

In the same vein, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, Stefania Giannini, stressed the importance of placing education at the core of efforts to tackle hate speech. UNESCO is implementing programmes to support education systems, media, judiciary, and several others on tackling this phenomenon, she added. Assistant Secretary-General for OHCHR, Ilze Brands Kheris, highlighted that the UN Common Agenda refers to the need to tackle disinformation and hatred and that Member States have the responsibility to implement effective measures to tackle discrimination leading to hate speech. She also pointed at the role of education at the center of these prevention efforts where it can help all actors in society to identify biases and address root causes of hate. 

The Director of Public Partnership Division of UNICEF, Ms. June Kunugi, stressed that hate speech is also a child rights issue as children are often more vulnerable to such content online and offline. She emphasized some of UNICEF’s good practices in this regard, including on fostering social cohesion in education. In her concluding remarks, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming, who also moderated the event, presented a new multilingual campaign launched by the UN Department of Global Communications using the hashtag #NoToHate. The campaign targets youth audiences across globe with content to improve their understanding of hate speech, highlight individual responsibility and spur action.

International Day of Countering Hate Speech (18 June) - Press Conference

Press Conference by UN Special Adviser on Genocide, Ms. Alice Nderitu, ahead of the International Day of Countering Hate Speech (18 June)

Countering hate speech and fostering peaceful and inclusive communities in Pakistan: the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibilty to Protect joins hands with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

The United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan organised a series of six webinars from 17-19 March 2021 on “Nurturing Peaceful, Respectful and Inclusive Societies in Pakistan: Seerat counters hate speech through decisive action”. The webinars provided an opportunity to focus on the role of education to combat hate speech and foster peace and inclusivity in Pakistan, using the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes, and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, in particular Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions as main policy frameworks.

Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Warimu Nderitu, stressed that societies that accepted diversity and considered it as an asset, fostering inclusivity of all groups without discrimination, were more likely to be peaceful and stable from a human, social and economic perspective. She added that despite efforts made by many countries to achieve Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the growing phenomenon of hate speech, including online, was threatening progress made in advancing peace and inclusivity globally. Emphasizing that the COVID-19 pandemic had compounded hate speech trends, the Special Adviser highlighted that too many times, minority groups or those who were perceived to be different were the targets and victims of hate speech and were scapegoated for challenges faced by communities or countries. Hate speech had also the potential to exacerbate underlying social and economic inequalities, aggravate drivers of violence, undermine social cohesion, trigger social unrest and violence and even be an indicator of the risk of atrocity crimes, she continued. Referring to the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, the Special Adviser Nderitu emphasized that combating hate speech was a multi-stakeholders endeavour. Governments, in particular, have an obligation to protect minorities.

The President of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Arif Alvi, opened the webinar stressing the importance of using forgiveness as a framework for building human relationships and continuing fighting for the equality of all human beings, independently on any identity factors. He also stated that hate speech should have no standing in Pakistan and that laws isolating communities ought to be repealled.

Speakers included national and international experts, practitioners and academic, as well as representatives of ethnic and religious minorities including Ba’hais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus Kalasha, Parsis and Sikhs. The webinar also had a strong focus on Pakistani youth as agents of positive transformation to create and sustain real models of inclusive, peaceful, and respectful societies. A special role was played by women and young women, who represented most of the speakers. Special Adviser Nderitu called the Pakistani youth to be humanist, stand up against discrimination and hate, build inclusion, and embrace education and knowledge.

Ms. Nderitu announced that the series of webinars would result in a manual to counter hate speech and build peaceful and inclusive societies and pledged continued support to the Higher Education Commission to counter and adress hate speech and foster human dignity.

The virtual event was attended by some 200 people, including university students and faculty members from public and private universities in Pakistan.

For more information please contact: osapg@un.org.

MEDIA ADVISORY: 65th Commission on the Status of Women

Strengthening women’s role front and centre of atrocity prevention

A virtual side event organized by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations

WHAT: Virtual side-event
WHO: United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations.
WHEN: Thursday 18 March 2021, 11:30am – 1pm EST
REGISTRATION LINK: register here: https://forms.gle/BCSgynaumD95mCsW7
Media advisory in pdf format PDF

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of the responsibility to protect (2005) and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, the twelfth report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect, "Prioritizing prevention and strengthening response: women and the responsibility to protect PDF" issued in July 2020, places a focus on gender equality and the various roles that women can play in supporting prevention of atrocity crimes (genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing) as well as their protection from the risk thereof.

As highlighted in the report, all four crimes and violations associated with the responsibility to protect can have a gendered impact. For example, widespread or systematic sexual violence may constitute atrocity crimes. Also, the indicators of risk can have gender dimension. For instance, gender-based hate speech, that is embedded in gendered stigmas and stereotypes, can be a precursor of incitement to violence both in peaceful and conflict contexts. Moreover, while in many parts of the world women are already displaying immense leadership in conflict and atrocity prevention, they often remain excluded and marginalized from many areas of decision making and face severe protection challenges.

Hence, to advance the effective implementation of the responsibility to protect and build synergies with the women, peace and security agenda, it is vital to recognize and strengthen women’s role front and centre of atrocity prevention and identify remaining obstacles thwarting women’s meaningful role and leadership in prevention.

Against this background, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, UN Women, and the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations will convene a virtual side event during the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Building on the recommendations of the 2020 report of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect, the event will provide a space to discuss key challenges and opportunities to enhance the protection of women and girls from atrocity crimes and to support women leadership in atrocity prevention at the local, national and regional level. Panellists will include high-level representatives as well as representatives of civil society, including women peacebuilders.

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For further information please contact:
Ms. Juliette Lehner: juliette.lehner@un.org
Ms. Thea Sanberg: thea.sandberg@un.org

For more information about the work and mandate of the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, please visit http://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/adviser/

CSW65: Strengthening women’s role front and center of atrocity prevention

On 18 March, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized a virtual side event as part of the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, “Strengthening women’s role front and center of atrocity prevention” alongside the UN Permanent Missions of Belgium, Canada, Uruguay and Botswana. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, gave opening remarks and the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Karen Smith, closed the session.

Joint Press Release: USG Nderitu and Special Adviser Khan announce the launch of the “Interfaith Dialogue Series” in Iraq

Under-Secretary-General Alice Wairimu Nderitu and Special Adviser Karim Asad Ahmad Khan Q.C today welcomed the successful completion of the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Iraq and announced the launch of the “Interfaith Dialogue Series”, which is planned to start in May 2021, in a number of cities in Iraq. The Series will commence through a high-level Interfaith Meeting in Baghdad of the leaders of the Chaldean Catholic, Kaka’i, Shia, Sunni and Yazidi faiths.

Read the joint press release by Special Adviser Nderitu’s and Special Adviser Khan remarks here

Day of the Righteous 2021

Special Adviser Alice Wairimu Nderitu participated in an event on the occasion of the Day of the Righteous of Humanity. In her remarks, the Special Adviser honored Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-1961), UN Secretary-General Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Development Dialogues: Rethinking Solutions to Crisis in the Decade of Action

Preventing Atrocity Crimes: The Role of Countering and Addressing Hate Speech

The Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect hosted with UNDP an event to raise awareness about the importance of addressing and countering hate speech as a way to build societies resilient to the risk of violence, including violent extremism and atrocity crimes – genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It showcased several multi-stakeholder initiatives implemented by the UN and its partners in line with the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech PDF. Civil society organizations in the field also presented their prevention initiatives, demonstrating how they are effectively combating hate speech at the grassroots level.

Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and UNDP’s Assistant Administrator Asako Okai gave opening remarks. UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Fernand de Varennes, moderated a fruitful dialogue with participants from the UN and civil society organisations in the field working to address and counter hate speech.

Read Special Adviser Nderitu’s remarks here PDF.

Rethinking Solutions to Crisis in the Decade of Action: High Level Event

Preventing Atrocity Crimes: The Role of Countering and Addressing Hate Speech

March 5th 2021

8:00-9:30am EST

RSVP here for the virtual event


The United Nations Development Programme and UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) invite you to join a discussion featuring experience from UN and civil society partners from across different regions at the forefront of countering and addressing hate speech. This event is part of “UNDP Development dialogues: Rethinking solutions to crisis in the decade of action.”

In response to current alarming trends of growing xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim hatred around the world, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech PDF on 18 June 2019. Hate speech is a menace to democratic values, social stability and peace. Tackling hate speech is also crucial to deepen progress across the United Nations agenda by helping to build societies resilient to the risk of violence including violent extremism and atrocity crimes - genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

As hate speech is one of the main indicators or risk factors of atrocity crimes, as outlined in the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes PDF, the UN has given a particular focus on addressing and countering hate speech and its root causes in fragile contexts. In this context, the event will stress the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to implement the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech and the importance of focusing prevention initiatives at the grassroots. This includes by engaging with local civil society organizations to counter and address hate speech, as per the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes PDF.

We hope this invitation will be of interest and look forward to hearing from you. For any question, please contact heesu.chung@undp.org and osapg@un.org.

Visit the event’s webpage here.

Remarks of Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, at the Human Rights Council Intersessional Meeting on Prevention of Genocide PDF

Mali: OSAPG support to MINUSMA’s intercommunal dialogues

In line with its mandate and as part of its prevention efforts in Mali, the United Nations Office of the Special Advisers on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG) in collaboration with the Civil Affairs Division of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and a local NGO implementing partner, known as Imadel, developed grass-root led dialogues, aiming for a high-degree of ownership by the communities involved in achieving a sustainable reconciliation and conflict resolution. The Office supported five dialogues - one for each intercommunal conflict identified - which aimed to promote reconciliation through agreements and discussions addressing grievances, to reestablish communication between affected communities as well as to restore social cohesion and resilience. The five dialogues made significant progress in restoring communication between communities and social cohesion in areas deeply affected by violence along ethnic lines. Reestablishing relations by putting in place mechanisms to address future grievances is an important for the prevention of future violence and potential atrocity crimes. OSAPG will continue to support such efforts as it is crucial to continue to build on these efforts in order to stabilize the restored peace and expand these “islands” of restored intercommunal relations.

Read more here PDF

Remarks of Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, at The Catalytic Power of Reparations event to mark the 15th Anniversary of the Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of Humanitarian Law. PDF

Secretary-General's remarks on the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide

Statement by H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Keynote speech of Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide PDF

 

High-Level Virtual Event: International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

Date: Wednesday, 9 December

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (EST)

RSVP: https://forms.gle/sQs1UoeqbAUzTLgV6

The event marks the 72nd anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

Panel discussion: UN 75: Lessons learned, opportunities and challenges of international justice, including criminal justice and reparations for victims of the crime of genocide

PDF

Secretary-General appoints Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Alice Wairimu Nderitu of Kenya as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. She succeeds Adama Dieng of Senegal, to whom the Secretary-General has expressed deep gratitude for his dedicated leadership and achievements. The Secretary-General also wishes to extend his appreciation to Navamanee Ratna (Pramila) Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, who has been serving as Acting Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.

Ms. Nderitu has been a recognized voice in the field of peacebuilding and violence prevention, having led as mediator and senior adviser in reconciliation processes among communities in her country, Kenya, as well as in other African settings. She served as Commissioner of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in Kenya (2009-2013) as well as Founding Member and co-Chair of the Uwiano Platform for Peace, a prevention agency linking early warning to early response in Kenya. She is also the founder of Community Voices for Peace and Pluralism, a network of African women professionals preventing, transforming and solving violent, ethnic, racial and religious conflicts worldwide.

Ms. Nderitu’s national experience includes serving as Director, Education for Social Justice at Fahamu (2007-2009), Head of Human Rights Education and Capacity-Building Programme for the Kenya National Human Rights Commission and its predecessor body the Standing Committee on Human Rights (1999-2007) as well as Researcher and Administrator, Kenya Prisons Services, Ministry of Home Affairs (1992-1999). She serves as Member of the Kenya National Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes Against Humanity and all Forms of Discrimination, the African Union’s Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (Fem-Wise), and the Women Waging Peace Network.

Ms. Nderitu holds a Master of Armed Conflict and Peace Studies (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts, Literature and Philosophy (1990) from the University of Nairobi. She is a Transitional Justice Fellow, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in South Africa. She is widely published and is the recipient of awards recognizing her commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts throughout Africa and innovative approach to mediation.

NEW: United Nations Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech: Detailed Guidance on Implementation for United Nations Field Presences

In September 2020, the OSAPG launched a Detailed Guidance on the Implementation of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech for field presences. The Detailed Guidance provides recommendations on how to implement the 13 commitments set out in the UN Strategy as well as options for action that the United Nations can take in field contexts, building on existing tools and programmes, as well as good practices from within the United Nations system and other partners. The Detailed Guidance is available here PDF.

High-level virtual panel discussion: “Fifteen years of the Responsibility to Protect - a collective commitment to humanity”

Date: Wednesday, 7 October

Time: 09:00 am - 10:30 am (EST)

RSVP: https://forms.gle/xTvagFMv4xrDof116

Download Concept Note PDF document

Bringing together eminent experts involved in the development and implementation of the responsibility to protect from different regions of the world, this event will provide an opportunity to mark the significance of the historic adoption of the principle as well as to consider how we can best contribute to future efforts to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

The event will be moderated by the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, Ms. Karen Smith. Ms. Smith will invite the panelists to reflect on the progress achieved over the past fifteen years; on existing challenges in advancing the operationalization of the principle as well as on opportunities to overcome such challenges. Remarks will also be given by Pramila Patten, Acting Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention and Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Chef de Cabinet, Ambassador Tegan Brink on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir.

Panelists:

  • Mr. Jan Eliasson, former Deputy-Secretary-General of the United Nations and President of the 60th session of the General Assembly.
  • Mr. Juan E. Mendez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence at WCL/American University and former Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
  • Ms. Liberata Mulamula, former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary of Tanzania and former Executive Secretary of International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
  • Mr. Donald Deya, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Chair of the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect (ICRtoP).
  • Ms. Savita Pawnday, Deputy Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.

15th anniversary of the responsibility to protect 

Fifteen years ago, the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity was unanimously adopted by all Heads of State and Government at the United Nations World Summit.

To mark this 15th anniversary, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect is launching a dedicated webpage with a focus on what the responsibility to protect is at its core and on why it is more relevant than ever to reaffirm the collective commitment to protect populations from atrocity crimes and prevent their incitement.

The dedicated webpage also clarifies existing misconceptions about the responsibility to protect and suggests key priorities for the future, including enhancing efforts to prevent; upholding justice and accountability; embracing multilateralism and defending global norms and standards.

Access the webpage here.

See a video statement with the Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect

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PRIORITIZING PREVENTION AND STRENGTHENING RESPONSE: WOMEN AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT

While the importance of gender equality and the participation of women across United Nations agendas has been made evident in recent years, the link with the responsibility to protect has been more implicit. The 2020 report of the Secretary-General on the responsibility to protect aims to address this gap by reflecting on the varied roles that women can play in supporting the prevention and protection of atrocity crimes.

The report outlines practical steps that can be taken by Member States, intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations system to strengthen gender equality and promote women's equal and meaningful participation, protection and rights. It begins by outlining the connection between gender equality and the effective implementation of the responsibility to protect. It goes on to emphasize the important role of women as actors for prevention. Lastly, the conclusions identify steps that can be taken to improve atrocity prevention and assessment at the national and regional levels. These include developing gender-specific indicators in national and regional early warning frameworks; implementing measures to address and counter gendered hate speech and incitement; increasing efforts to end impunity, including for sexual and gender-based atrocity crimes; and building capacity to increase the participation of women in political life, as mediators in peace processes, as well as to include the views of women in peace and security initiatives.

Read full report [Arabicpdf] [Chinesepdf] [Englishpdf] [Frenchpdf] [Russianpdf] [Spanishpdf]

Read executive summarypdf

Words Matter: A Crash Course on Stomping Out Hate Speech

Apply now:

Words Matter: a Crash Course in Stomping Out Hate Speech

In cooperation with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (OSAPG)

Online, 7-31 October 2020
Application deadline : 4 October 2020

Hate speech is a growing phenomenon across the world. As a manifestation of intolerance and hatred towards certain groups in society, hate speech is intertwined with hate crimes and discrimination, representing a threat to sustainable peace and social cohesion.

Because of the impact hate speech has both on victims and societies at large, it is of utmost importance to address and counter it in a comprehensive way, from the individual to the State level. Despite growing attention to hate speech, many still underestimate or do not fully grasp the consequences of it.

The course is intended for university and post-graduate students, PhD candidates, media and other professionals, including United Nations (UN) personnel, as well as anyone interested in gaining an understanding of hate speech, how it manifests itself and what tools are available to combat it.

Read more at UNICRI.

United Nations Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech

On 11 May 2020, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide released a ‘Guidance Note on Addressing and Countering COVID-19 related Hate Speech (English PDF | French PDF)’. The guidance note follows the Secretary-General’s global appeal to address and counter hate speech on 8 May 2020 and builds on the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech. It provides recommendations to Member States, civil society, media and other relevant stakeholders for addressing and countering COVID-19-related hate speech.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime

On 9 December 2019, the Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to protect organized an event to mark the 71st anniversary of the adoption of the Genocide Convention and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

The event also served to open the exhibition entitled “Champions of Prevention”. The exhibition portrayed individuals and organizations across the world who have been assuming the responsibility to take positive action to promote a culture of peace and non-violence that includes the respect for diversity and non-discrimination, thus contributing to building resilient societies to the risk of genocide and other international crimes. Watch the event.

European Union grants more than $550,000 to the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect


United Nations, New York, 23 September 2019. The European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) has granted more than $ 550,000 to the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect.

This contribution supports the implementation of a project that aims to advance the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity (atrocity crimes) globally. With this grant, the European Commission supports multilateralism and stands firmly with the United Nations to prevent conflict and sustain peace.

Mrs. Hilde Hardeman, Head of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments of the European Commission and Under-Secretary-General Adama Dieng, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, today signed an agreement in New York on this financial contribution.

The goal of this 18-month project is to develop and disseminate guidelines for practitioners on the prevention of atrocity crimes. This will entail the organization of an expert-level workshop and two high-level events, in Brussels and in New York to contribute to a broader atrocity prevention program.

During the signing of the agreement, Adama Dieng expressed the gratitude of his office to the European Union for “its strong support for the United Nations and multilateralism, which strengthens partnership and cooperation in early warning. He added that "this financial contribution from the EU to the UN Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect will help prevent atrocity crimes and support the UN Secretary-General’s vision on prevention."

Video message by Adama Dieng, Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide


The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, delivered opening remarks at an international conference on Stopping Genocide and Holocaust Denial, which took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 20 June 2019. Special Adviser Dieng called on “all political leaders and all people in a position of influence, including religious leaders (…) to combat negative rhetoric and the glorification of war criminals with words of compassion and empathy toward the pain and suffering of their neighbors.” He also stressed the need to “take meaningful, concrete steps on the path toward greater tolerance, understanding and genuine trust-building” in the region.

Launch of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech


On 18 June, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which sets out strategic guidance for the UN system to address hate speech at the national and global level. It also includes ways the UN Secretariat can support the work of the Resident Coordinators in addressing and countering hate speech. Its objectives are twofold: first, to enhance UN efforts to address root causes and drivers of hate speech; and second, to enable effective UN responses to the impact of hate speech on societies.

Access the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech PDF.

Read the news on the launch, or the article for UN staff only.

Watch the speech of the Secretary-General and the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide.

Watch the Secretary-General’s stakeout with news correspondents following the launch.

Secretary-General appoints Karen Smith of South Africa as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Karen Smith of South Africa as his Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect. She will succeed Ivan Šimonović of Croatia to whom the Secretary-General is deeply grateful.

Ms. Smith will work under the overall guidance of Adama Dieng, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, to further the conceptual, political, institutional and operational development of the responsibility to protect concept, as set out by the General Assembly in paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome document.

A lecturer of International Relations at the Institute for History at Leiden University, The Netherlands, Ms. Smith has a research focus on non-western contributions to International Relations theory, as well as on human rights, new global governance groupings and South Africa’s foreign policy within the context of regional and emerging powers.

She was previously an Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Cape Town (2011-2017) and taught at the universities of Stellenbosch (2000-2010) and Western Cape (2003-2004), in South Africa. Between 2006 and 2007, she was the Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of South Africa.

Ms. Smith holds a PhD in International Relations from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She serves on the editorial boards of the journals Review of International Studies, Journal of African Union Studies, Foreign Policy Analysis and Rising Powers Quarterly.

Invitation for 70 Years of the Genocide Convention

Join us on 7 December at 11 am in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the United Nations, New York, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/2OKNTV2

70 years of the genocide convention invitation

VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO EUROPE

On 16 October 2018, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, delivered a keynote speech to the 6th Meeting of the European Union High Level Group on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and other forms of Intolerance in Vienna, organized by Austria under this State’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In his speech, Special Adviser Dieng stressed his concerns that all over Europe, ultranationalist resurgence is legitimizing hatred, racism and violence. He alerted that the spread of inflammatory language in mainstream political discourse under the disguise of ‘populism’ has been connected to an increase in hate crimes and hate speech. Special Adviser Dieng called on all States to address and respond to this concerning dynamic as a matter of urgency.

On 20 October, Special Adviser Dieng briefed the 116th Plenary Session of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and held an exchange of views with its Member States. The Special Adviser committed to support the work of the Venice Commission in strengthening the protection of vulnerable populations, including ethnic and religious minorities, as well as in ensuring that State institutions respect the rule of law and the most basic human rights principles.

During his visit, the Special Adviser met government officials, members of the diplomatic community, civil society actors as well as United Nations colleagues.

Read here the keynote speech of the Special Adviser

Read an op-ed issued ahead of the Special Adviser’s visit:
https://diepresse.com/home/meinung/gastkommentar/5515019/Europas-systematische-Dehumanisierung?from=suche.intern.portal
https://nepszava.hu/3011699_europa-elvesziti-emberi-arcat
https://komentare.sme.sk/c/20934093/ako-sa-v-europe-zbavujeme-ludskosti.html
https://www.tt.com/ticker/14918603/uno-sonderberater-dieng-besorgt-ueber-europaeischen-rechtsruck

Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide calls for universal ratification of Genocide Convention

Genocide remains a “threat and a reality” in the 21st century, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Thursday, in an appeal to States to do more to act on the “warning signs” that often precede grave violations of international law.
Read More >>

Watch the Panel Discussion on 70th Anniversary of Genocide Convention

ON RWANDA GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY, UN LEADERS ASK: CAN WORLD MUSTER THE WILL TO PREVENT ATROCITIES?

As the world officially remembers the genocidal murder of 800,000 Rwandans in 1994, United Nations leaders warn that ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities continue to blight humanity and call for sharper action to prevent such wholesale violations. Read More >>

A 14-year-old Rwandan boy from the town of Nyamata, photographed in June 1994, survived the genocidal massacre by hiding under corpses for two days.

VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO BANGLADESH

From 7-13 March 2018 the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited Bangladesh to assess the situation of the Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar following incidents of violence in October 2016 and August 2017. His visit focused on what lies ahead for the Rohingya population; how to ensure that the crimes committed against them are not repeated; and how to hold accountable those responsible for the crimes that have been documented. During his visit, the Special Adviser met government officials, the diplomatic community, civil society actors and United Nations colleagues, as well as refugees and members of the host community in Cox’s Bazar.

Read the statement of the Special Adviser
Read the news about the Special Adviser’s mission
Watch the news about the Special Adviser’s mission
Listen to the interview with the Special Adviser about his mission

Newly arrived Rohingya refugees who came to Bangladesh by boat to Shah Porir Dwip, walk with their belongings to the refugee registration and aid distribution point at the Cyclone Centre in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar region.

Vienna meeting on implementation of Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes

From 12 to 15 February 2018, at the United Nations Office in Vienna, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect organized a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes. The meeting was attended by more than 200 people, including some 150 religious leaders and actors and over 50-Member States. The meeting resulted in the identification of short and medium-term priorities for implementation of the Plan of Action, including: the establishment of a Global Steering Committee and regional coordination committees; the development of a resource bank and of a Covenant that would highlight religious leaders’ moral responsibility to implement the Plan of Action; and the prioritization of initiatives with a focus on education.

Read: Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes
Watch the video about the meeting

VISIT OF SPECIAL ADVISER ON PREVENTION OF GENOCIDE TO WESTERN BALKANS

On 12 February, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide concluded a twelve-day visit to the region of the Western Balkans that included Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he explored existing challenges for reconciliation as well as opportunities to overcome them. He expressed concern at the presence of a number of factors that could lead to scenarios of further polarization unless serious and concerted efforts are taken to address them, primarily by political leaders but also by civil society actors and by the international community. Concerns include political polarization across identity lines and politicization of events in the past, including glorification of war criminals, contestation of court decisions and limited engagement in transitional justice and national reconciliation. He also expressed concern at the absence of shared narrative of events in the past and what he considered as limited political interest in promoting such understanding. In these four States, the Special Adviser met high level government officials, including cabinet members, heads of parliament and national prosecutors; religious leaders; representatives of civil society organizations; members of the diplomatic community, as well as United Nations colleagues.

Read the statement of the Special Adviser
Read the news about the Special Adviser’s mission

Launch of appeal for universal ratification of the Genocide Convention at 69th Anniversary of the Genocide Convention and International Day of the Victims of Genocide

On 8 December 2017 (in lieu of 9 December 2017), the Office of Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility Protect organised an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention), as well as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The event took place at the Trusteeship Council Chamber in the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, seized the opportunity to launch a one-year appeal for the universal ratification of the Genocide Convention by 9 December 2018, when the Convention will mark its 70th anniversary. As of today, a total of 149 States (including one non-member observer State) have ratified or acceded to the Genocide Convention. Another 45 United Nations Member States have yet to do so.

Read the Special Adviser key note speech launching the appeal.
Watch the event launching the appeal.
Read the UN News Centre story.

Implementing the Responsibility to Protect: Accountability for Prevention Report of the Secretary-General (Advanced Copy)

There is a gap between our stated commitment to the responsibility to protect and the daily reality confronted by populations exposed to the risk of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. To close this gap, we must ensure that the responsibility to protect is implemented in practice.

One of the principal ways in which we can do so is by strengthening accountability for the implementation of the responsibility to protect and by ensuring rigorous and open scrutiny of practice, based on agreed principles. Accountability ties authorities to their populations and individual States to the international community.

This report outlines practical steps that can be taken by Member States, intergovernmental bodies and the United Nations system to strengthen accountability for atrocity crimes prevention. It begins by outlining the relationship between the legal, moral and political responsibilities associated with the responsibility to protect and different forms of accountability. It goes on to identify steps that can be taken to strengthen accountability for atrocity crimes prevention at the national level, to enhance the role of intergovernmental bodies and to improve the accountability of the United Nations system to those it serves...

Read full report

 

INTERVIEW: Amid increased suffering, responsibility to protect all the more necessary – UN Special Adviser (UN News Centre)

24 March 2017 – In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the outcome of the World Summit in which it, inter alia, underscored that each individual State has the responsibility to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

In addition to the State’s responsibility, the General Assembly also highlighted that the international community, too, has the responsibility to use appropriate means in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the UN Charter – the chapters dealing with peaceful settlement of disputes and regional arrangements – to help to protect populations from such crimes.

Within the UN system, the Secretary-General has designated a senior official to serve as his Special Adviser and to support both the organization and UN Member States in implementing the principle as well as in fulfilling the obligation.

The current Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect is Ivan Šimonović who assumed the office in October last year.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Šimonović served as the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, heading the New York office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (July 2010 to September 2016). He has also published extensively in the fields of law and human rights.

UN News spoke with Mr. Šimonović on the progress made by the international community since the adoption of the principle of Responsibility to Protect, the challenges it is facing at the moment, and his role.

Read full article

 

Religious leaders deserve full support in quest for peace, says UN Adviser on Genocide Prevention (UN News Centre)

Religious leaders and faith-based organizations have a responsibility to contribute to peaceful societies and the international community must support these grassroots peacemakers in their daily activities, the United Nations official mandated to fight genocide today told an international meeting on religion...

Addressing the third annual symposium on ‘The Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs,’ now under way at UN Headquarters in New York, Adama Dieng, the UN Special Adviser for Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, said that religious leaders “have a responsibility to contribute to the building of peaceful, inclusive and cohesive societies that are resilient to conflict, violent extremism and atrocity crimes.”

The Office of Mr. Dieng is one of the sponsors of the symposium, along with the UN Inter-agency Task Force for Engagement with Faith-based Organizations and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN. This year’s thematic focus is on just, inclusive and sustainable peace.

Mr. Dieng, who is currently in Doha participating in a meeting on the responsibility to protect, delivered his address via a video message. He said the primary responsibility for creating sustained peace lies with States, who must promote the values of diversity and manage diversity constructively – however, “collaboration” with religious leaders remains vital.

“They can reach out to and influence large numbers of people,” Mr. Dieng. He added that religious leaders “provide support during emergencies, respond to the needs of marginalized communities, as well as address grievances as soon as they emerge and advocate for the rights of their communities.”

Last year, the UN Security Council passed resolution 2282 (2016) , which calls for a comprehensive approach to transitional justice and accountability to consolidate peace, reduce poverty and prevent countries from relapsing into conflict.

In his video message, Mr. Dieng discussed his recent work with religious leaders on the Fez Plan of Action on the role of religious leaders and actors in preventing incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes. The Plan was named after the Moroccan city where the first steps on a strategy on the role of religious leaders were taken in 2015.

According to Mr. Dieng, the Plan will be launched in New York during the first quarter of this year, followed by meetings on its implementation.

“Implementing the Fez Plan of Action will be a good starting point in enhancing religious actors’ engagement in the prevention of atrocity crimes, as well as enhancing collaboration among religious leaders, Member States and civil society to prevent incitement to violence,” he said.

Link to the Office’s project on “The role of religious leaders in the prevention of incitement to violence”

Visit of Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide to South Sudan

The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited South Sudan from 7 to 11 November 2016 due to growing concern at developments there, including reports of violence targeting different ethnic groups. The aim of the visit was to carry out an assessment of the situation from the perspective of his mandate in order to better understand the landscape of ethnically-fuelled violence – including hate speech and incitement to violence – and the risk that this violence could lead to further atrocity crimes, including genocide...

The United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide visited South Sudan from 7 to 11 November 2016 due to growing concern at developments there, including reports of violence targeting different ethnic groups. The aim of the visit was to carry out an assessment of the situation from the perspective of his mandate in order to better understand the landscape of ethnically-fuelled violence – including hate speech and incitement to violence – and the risk that this violence could lead to further atrocity crimes, including genocide.

He met with United Nations colleagues, senior government officials, civil society groups, religious leaders, community members and diplomatic representatives in Juba. He also visited a “protection of civilians” site in Juba and travelled to Yei town in Yei River State to meet with members of the community and government. Yei, which until recently had been spared the violence seen in other areas, has now been identified as a conflict “hot spot” with escalating violence against multiple tribal groups in Yei and in the Central Equatorian State, of which Yei River State is a part.

Following his visit he gave a media briefing and delivered a statement to the United Nations Security Council.

  1. Media Briefing by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on his visit to South Sudan (11 November 2016)
  2. Statement to the Security Council by Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, on his visit to South Sudan (17 November 2016)
  3. Video programme on the Special Adviser’s visit to South Sudan, produced by UNMISS
United Nations Special Advisor on Prevention of Genocide Visits Yei, South Sudan

Speakers include Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Iain Levine, Senior Human Rights Director at Meta, and Barbora Bukowska, Senior Director for Law and Policy at ARTICLE 19. The speakers will share their observations on contemporary trends and challenges in hate speech especially and how they impact contemporary societies.

This is the first of a series of three webinars on hate speech organized by OSAPG in the lead up to, and in preparation of, the first commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech established in June 2021 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/75/309 on “Promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech”. The International Day will be celebrated for the first time on Monday, 20 June 2022. The webinars will feature guest speakers who will discuss and offer perspectives on different aspects of the hate speech phenomenon and raise public awareness on the importance of addressing and countering hate speech in line with international human rights standards.

Date: 16.05.2022
Time: 2:30pm EST

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