Remember the Victims Prevent Genocide: 9 December

The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is marked annually on 9 December.

Purpose: It is observed to raise awareness about genocide and the role of the United Nations’ Genocide Convention in preventing it.

Significance of the day:

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of the Convention, which establishes the duty of governments and states to prevent crimes of genocide and punish those who are involved in the heinous crime. The Convention signifies the international community’s commitment to “never again” and provides the first international legal definition of “genocide,” widely adopted at national and international levels. It also establishes a duty for State Parties to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.