At the international level UNinstitutions, funds, programs and organizations must be
prepared to be able to actively contribute to the task of preventing atrocity crimes and
the human rights monitoring mechanisms can fulfill an effective role and also
contribute to the task of prevention. In this context we should explore further the
possibility to recognize individuals or civil society organizations wishing to publicly
address the United Nations as petitioners regarding violations of their rights and
prejudices against minority groups.
As an important step towards strengthening early warning and prevention
mechanisms, we would like to express our appreciation for the UN Secretary General’s
“Rights Up Front” initiative which includes a strong commitment by the United Nations
to make sure that whenever patterns of violations provide clear warning signs of
looming crises, high level engagement and leadership are activated.
Mr. President,
Diversity and pluralism pose no risk to our societies, but are a source of development,
progress and peace. There may be many different models for the political participation,
but they all share one common goal: the promotion and protection of persons
belonging to minorities and their integration into society. Austria will continue its
engagement in this direction and we are confident that the ideas and recommendations
voiced at this Forum will form a good basis for further progress. In this context, we
consider the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes prepared by the Special
Advisor on the Prevention of the Genocide as a particularly useful tool in this context.
Thank you very much.