Statement at the High-level meeting to mark the

Tenth anniversary of the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime

Delivered by Mr. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary

9 December 2025

Madam President,

The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was one of the first international legal instruments to which Azerbaijan acceded after the restoration of its independence and admission to the United Nations. We believe that the universal ratification of the Convention would represent an important consolidated commitment of the international community to the eradication of the crime of genocide.

Over the years, international norms and standards, along with institutional activities, have significantly developed. However, efforts to ensure a peaceful, just and prosperous world have not always been consistent or successful, as civilians continue to pay the highest price in the wake of armed conflicts.

Azerbaijan knows about the odious scourge of genocide. 

Madam President,

Political speculations on legal concepts and norms continue. The Genocide Convention is a legally binding instrument and must be regarded and implemented as such and not misused for promoting a political agenda and fabricated historical narratives, in contradiction with the object, purpose and spirit of the Convention.

Accountability for genocide and other atrocity crimes is imperative and must be inevitable. It is also an essential tool for preventing the recurrence of violations and an important constituent on the path to genuine reconciliation and the adoption of a longer-term approach that looks toward shaping a more peaceful, just, and inclusive future. The denial and ignorance of serious violations, along with the attempts to discredit and thereby obstruct justice by various political means, constitute clear contempt for international law and the rule of law.

Madam President,

It is worth mentioning that General Assembly resolution 69/323, which decided to proclaim 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of This Crime, inter alia, reiterated 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.

Azerbaijan is committed to further strengthening the prevention and protection architecture, as well as ensuring accountability in line with its relevant obligations under international law and the objectives of the Responsibility to Protect.

Thank you.