 |
|
|
Over 300 guests listening to the groundbreaking United Nations event in Conference Room 3 that was the first to examine the Armenian Genocide at the UN and its relevance today. (Credit: Ara Ayer)
View/Download High Resolution Version
  View gallery
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
“Genocide Then and Now” United Nations Forum Attracts Over 300
| Date: |
4/3/2006 |
| |
| Contact: |
AGBU Press Office |
| Phone: |
212.319.6383 |
| Fax: |
212.319.6507 |
| Email: |
agbuwb@agbu.org |
On Thursday, March 30, 2006, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) co-sponsored a forum on genocide at the United Nations (UN) in New York, entitled “Genocide Then and Now: Lessons Learned for the Twenty-first Century.” In co-sponsorship with the Permanent Missions of Armenia and Rwanda to the United Nations, the forum discussed the first and last genocides of the twentieth century, the Armenian and Rwandan genocides, with respect to lessons learned for today and in the future and the UN’s role in genocide prevention.
Initiated and organized by Adrienne Alexanian, AGBU’s UN non-governmental organization (NGO) Representative, the event attracted well over 300 guests comprised of Ambassadors, high ranking UN officials, foreign policy institute representatives, academics, representatives of the UN NGO community, members of the media and Armenian community leaders.
Some of the missions represented at the event, included Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, the Holy See (Vatican), Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, and Switzerland. Other organizations sent high-ranking officials, including ECOSOC, UNDP, UN High Commission for Refugees, and UNICEF. The Foreign Policy Association, Human Rights Watch, Facing History, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and Rotary International were among the many prominent organizations in attendance.
Alexanian opened the forum by welcoming the audience and introducing Andrea Kannapell, Weekend Editor, Foreign Desk of The New York Times, who moderated the event. Kannapell introduced each of the three speakers: Vakahn Dadrian, Director of Genocide Research, Zoryan Institute; Yael Danieli, Co-President, International Network of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; and Juan E. Méndez, Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Prevention of Genocide.
Dadrian gave an objective account of the Armenian Genocide, highlighting the pattern of massacre that culminated in the events of 1915 and was followed by systematic denial by the modern Turkish state. In light of his recent research into the 1918-1919 Turkish tribunals that prosecuted the architects of the Armenian Genocide, Dadrian detailed the extensive documentation that proved the guilt of the perpetrators and sentenced them to death.
Prominent psychologist, Yael Danieli, spoke about her work with genocide victims and her efforts to restore their dignity as a first step to greater healing. She outlined the conditions necessary for recovery, which are real and symbolic compensation, restitution, rehabilitation and commemoration.
The first ever UN advisor for the Prevention of Genocide, Méndez outlined the UN’s new role in preventing genocide. He explained that acting comprehensively is important to prevent genocide, citing four steps that can avoid future massacres: protection of civilians, accountability, humanitarian relief and the resolution of conflict.
Led by the moderator, an interactive dialogue between the panelists followed touching upon similarities and differences between the first and last genocides of the twentieth-century, the potential role of the International Criminal Court, and the current situation in Darfur. Kannapell opened the floor to questions from the audience.
The event concluded with closing remarks from the Rwandan Charges d’Affaires, Nicholas Shalita, who thanked the organizers and panelists.
The March 30th forum was the first time that the Armenian Genocide was discussed in front of such a large and high-level UN audience. The historic and groundbreaking event was unanimously applauded for its unique perspective that explained the relevance and importance of the Armenian Genocide in the world today.
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $34 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35 countries. AGBU has been a registered NGO at the United Nations since 1989.
|
 |
|
 
|
