Intervention by the Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic, Amb. Martín García Moritán

September 6

Thank you Mr. Moderator,

Argentina would like to thank the Secretary-General for publishing the ninth report on Responsibility to Protect, which highlights the vital importance of prevention and mobilization of collective action to protect populations from crimes against humanity.

We would also like to acknowledge the presence of the President of the General Assembly, Peter Thomson, and highlight the valuable interventions of the distinguished panelists.

Argentina considers that all States, as equals and sovereigns, have reciprocal rights and responsibilities. All States should be equally committed to protecting their populations against atrocious crimes, by respecting international law, and in particular human rights law, refugee law; as well as in the fight against impunity.

At the United Nations, we have developed a framework based on three fundamental and interrelated pillars, which has been consolidated in several resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. Nonetheless, we believe that it is necessary to reinforce our collective commitment to the Responsibility to Protect, particularly from the dimension of prevention as a tool to protect our populations.

It is imperative that we consolidate solid strategies of prevention and accountability, based on an unbiased analysis of events, sufficient resources and political will, so that we can react in a timely, early, organic and forceful manner in the face of situations that put our populations at risk of atrocious crimes.

With regard to the need to strengthen accountability on the part of perpetrators of atrocious crimes, Argentina wishes to emphasize the role of the International Criminal Court. The ratification of the Rome Statute is essential to protect populations in the light of its contribution to the fight against impunity and as a deterrent of atrocities.

We also invite all Member States to adhere to the Safe Schools Declaration and to follow the recommendations of the Second International Conference in support of the declaration that was held this last March in Buenos Aires.

Argentina strongly supports all initiatives by the United Nations system to implement prevention in a cross-cutting way, such as the Responsibility to Protect, peacekeeping operations, peace building actions, promotion of the rule of law, the "Human Rights Up Front" initiative, among others.

We would also like to highlight the contribution of the Global Network of Focal Points on Responsibility to Protect to build individual and collective capacities to prevent mass atrocities.

Mr. Moderaror,

Argentina also highlights the positive role of regional and subregional organizations in efforts to resolve conflicts and in the prevention, response and early warning of fair, prudent, professional and non-political interference or double standards in the face of threats that may arise in atrocities.

At the national level, it is important to mainstream human rights in public policies. Public sector and civil society actors should work together to raise awareness among the population about human rights and their fulfillment.

Finally, we would like to express our support to the work of the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect and the crucial role that both Special Advisers have in a topic so relevant to our country.

Mr. Moderator,

Finally, focusing on the future, Argentina would like to reiterate the need to strengthen and deepen our commitment to the Responsibility to Protect, redouble our efforts on its full implementation and highlight once again the fundamental role of prevention and accountability in all our efforts and initiatives.

Thank you very much.