Joint Statement of the Theresienstadt Center for Genocide Studies and Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the Czech Republic on the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime:
On December 9, 2021, upon the invitation of the Managing Director of the Theresienstadt Center for Genocide Studies Šimon Krbec, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Czech Republic H.E. Ashot Hovakimian paid a visit to the Center in observance of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
In 2015, the year when the Armenian people were commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, upon the initiation of Armenia the UN General Assembly passed a Resolution establishing the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime, to be held annually on 9 December. The resolution reiterates the responsibility of each individual State to protect its populations from genocide, which entails the prevention of such a crime, including incitement to it, through appropriate and necessary means, and that fighting impunity for the crime of genocide is an important factor in its prevention. The establishment and the regular observance of the International Day of the 9th of December adds to the continued efforts of governments, international organizations, the academic community and the civil society in promoting consolidated international action against the crime of genocide.
Ambassador Ashot Hovakimian was the first official international guest welcomed at the newly reconstructed Wieser’s House in Theresienstadt, which is set to becoming the new seat and educational facility of the Theresienstadt Centre for Genocide Studies. With a guided tour of the facility, Mr. Krbec presented the overall project and the upcoming programs of the Center. The Ambassador had the chance to see parts of the relocated two Exhibitions dedicated to the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide- “Armenian Genocide: Front-page Coverage in the World Press” and “The Interrupted Childhood: Children-victims of the Armenian Genocide”, some parts of which had been digitalised by the Center for educational and awaireness-raising purposes.
The sides discussed the significance of observing the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime not only for honoring the memory of those who fell victim to such vicious crimes, but for raising awareness and fostering collective efforts aimed at preventing such crimes in the future. Mr. Krbec and the Ambassador discussed the challenges faced when promoting the genocide prevention agenda and fighting against denialism and the steps necessary to be undertaken for overcoming these challenges. Both sides underlined the key role of education to this end.
The sides concluded that the lack of knowledge and awareness creates a favorable atmosphere for denial and impunity - the main obstacles for prevention. Inappropriate condemnation of past crimes and avoiding of punishment create fertile ground for denial and justification of genocide and eventually lead to recurrences of mass atrocities, whilst denied justice pursues generations of genocide survivors and hinders genuine reconciliation.
Thus fostering awareness-raising on genocides, combating denialism and promoting genocide education remain amongst the key priorities in pursuing our common agenda of genocide prevention. The Ambassador thanked Mr. Krbec for his continuous efforts to this end and for the fruitful and constructive collaboration established between the Center and the Embassy. Mr. Krbec presented the updated concept of the Center to be followed during the upcoming years and the sides discussed the prospects for further collaboration to this end. The Embassy and the Center agreed to jointly promote the observance of International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime during the upcoming years.