UN Secretary-General's message: The dark specter of genocide is still among us, strengthen prevention and reduce hate speech!

(Patria) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded that today marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

"Adopted after the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust, the Convention is a pledge to victims and survivors of genocide to ensure that these atrocities never happen again.

Tragically, in a world plagued by division, mistrust and violence, the dark specter of genocide is still among us.

In the name of victims and survivors of genocide, all governments must ratify and fully implement the Convention, holding perpetrators accountable.

We must strengthen prevention tools, including education and combating disinformation that can fuel hate speech and genocidal intent and actions.

We must respect and implement the decisions of the International Court of Justice on the application of the Convention. And we must do everything possible to recognize the early warning signs and sound the alarm.

The best way to honor the victims and survivors of genocide is to step up action to prevent this heinous crime," Guterres said, on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of that Crime.