Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 9, 2025 International law
The world is facing an alarming decline in respect for international law: armed conflicts are increasingly targeting civilians, and the risk of mass atrocities is rapidly growing. This was stated by the new UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chalok Beyani, in her first interview since her appointment in August of this year.
Beyani recalled that his post was created by the UN Security Council following the tragedies in Rwanda and Srebrenica. Today, he said, parallels with the current crises are evident in many regions of the world. "We are witnessing massive violations of international human rights law, direct attacks on civilians, and a blatant disregard for humanitarian law. The risk of atrocities is extremely high," he noted.
The advisor paid special attention to Sudan, where the conflict in Darfur has been raging for decades. "Essentially, nothing has changed. The collapse of the civilian government has only exacerbated the crisis," he said, recalling that back in the 1990s, the situation in the region was the focus of a UN commission investigation.
The role of international law
The Office for the Prevention of Genocide and the Protection of Civilians serves as an "early warning system" within the UN. It informs the Secretary-General, the Security Council, and other bodies when a risk of mass crimes is detected. In its work, the Office relies on Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948It monitors developments in armed conflicts on ethnic or religious grounds, the spread of hate speech, and the erosion of the rule of law.
"Our task is not to study genocide, but to prevent it," Beyani emphasized, adding that the final decisions in each case are made by international courts.
© UNICEF/M. Jamal
Displaced persons camp in Sudan.
Judicial precedents and liability
The advisor noted the importance of effective justice systems for protecting vulnerable groups. Beyani cited the 2012 conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga by the International Criminal Court for using child soldiers. This conviction, he said, prompted other warlords to publicly renounce such practices.
Beyani also mentioned the International Court of Justice's provisional measures in the case of South Africa v. Israel, concerning the possible application of the Genocide Convention in Gaza, as well as the upcoming hearing of the Gambia v. Myanmar case. "Prevention also includes punishment," he emphasized.
New threats: disinformation and climate change
Among the current challenges, Beyani highlighted the rise of hate speech and disinformation online. His office is collaborating with tech companies, including Meta and Google, as well as religious and community leaders, to counter incitement to violence.
The advisor noted that climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly becoming catalysts for conflict. "We see tensions over resources, from the Sahel to small island states threatened by flooding. Climate itself is not the cause, but it amplifies other risk factors," he explained.
Indigenous peoples caught up in disputes over land and natural resources are particularly vulnerable in this situation. "Their identity and way of life make them particularly vulnerable to threats," Beyani noted.
Remember and act
The adviser says his office focuses primarily on diplomacy and preventative measures. "It was created for non-public interaction, consultations with the Secretary-General and the Security Council, and official statements are made only when necessary," he said.
Beyani emphasized that preventing genocide requires not only decisive action, but also preserving the memory of the victims of past crimes.
"We must remember the UN's promise of 'never again' and the foundation upon which the Genocide Convention stands. But even this is not enough. We must strengthen our response tools, build trust, and act proactively," the adviser emphasized.
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