World Genocide Commemoration Day is a holiday that uses many words, but it is also a day that is extremely important for everyone to observe. As the name suggests, it commemorates victims of genocide and works toward preventing this crime in the future.

One way it attempts to do this is by raising public awareness and encouraging involvement. If there is one thing that all good people around the world can agree on, it is the fact that genocide is evil and must be stopped. And this day is the first step to ending genocide around the world.

The History of World Genocide Commemoration Day

This holiday can be traced back to 1948 and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This was the first human rights treaty adopted by the newly formed United Nations General Assembly.

It set the “never again” standard that we are all familiar with, as well as establishing the responsibility of all State parties to intervene and punish the crime of genocide. This holiday has been observed ever since and will likely continue to be observed well into the foreseeable future.

Some Disturbing Facts About Genocide

Below are some facts that we have learned about genocide and think are important for everyone to know.

• Genocide is often a way for unstable governments to extend their power over time.
• During a genocide, minorities are targeted before other groups.
• Genocide leads to mass poverty, a decline in infrastructure, and disrupts education.
• Genocide cripples healthcare systems and leaves societies vulnerable for years to come.

Observing World Genocide Commemoration Day

On this day, everyone is encouraged to have a moment of silence for the victims of genocide. There are many events held around the world on this day for this purpose, but people do not have to attend these events to commemorate the victims. They can also do so by taking a few moments out of their day to step aside and have a moment of silence.

This is also a good day for people to learn about past and current genocides around the world. And once people have learned about ongoing genocides, they can use their voices to speak out against them. Not only by organizing and addressing their leaders but also by spreading the word online using an appropriate hashtag.