Human Rights Defender of Armenia Anahit Manasyan's message on occasion of 111th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
On April 24, we commemorate the life of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, reaffirming the primacy of human dignity and fundamental rights.
At the beginning of the last century, Armenians residing in the Ottoman Empire were subjected to organized mass crimes: brutal murders, forced displacement, and inhuman suffering.
This was one of the most serious crimes in human history, marked by massive violations of the right to life, forced displacement, and torture.
The crime of genocide has no and cannot have any justification.
This day is yet another reminder that the prevention of such crimes is one of the most important obligations of states and the international community, while the punishment for such acts is one of the most essential tools of prevention. Impunity undermines the foundations of justice and gives rise to new crimes.
In today’s world, various manifestations of ethnic hatred continue to exist. They create fertile ground for genocide and crimes against humanity and must be met with an appropriate response. Respect for human rights, the guarantee of the rule of law, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination must be the cornerstones of every society, and our efforts must be united in preventing hate speech, hate crimes, intolerance, and all forms of discrimination.
The anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is yet another reminder that we must be more united in protecting the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of national or ethnic identity, religious beliefs or any other circumstance.
The memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide is not only a testimony of the past, but also a responsibility toward the present and the future—to prevent such crimes—and to build a just, equal and human-centered society.