The event “60 Years of the CERD: Achievements, Challenges and Ways Forward” was convened to deepen the dialogue about the Convention’s role in preventing atrocity crimes.
In his welcoming remarks, GAAMAC Chair Ambassador Christian Guillermet-Fernández underscored racial discrimination as a key risk factor for mass atrocities. He stressed that hate speech and systematic discrimination, particularly based on race or ethnicity, are one of the most persistent early warning signs of atrocity crimes.
Dr. Michał Balcerzak, CERD Chair, reflected on the Convention’s origins during South Africa’s apartheid era and its continued importance in the fight against discrimination. While acknowledging progress, he also stressed that much remains to be done.
Twelve CERD members participated in the meeting, contributing with valuable insights and expressing interest in further collaboration with GAAMAC. Their motivation reaffirmed the shared commitment to combat racial discrimination and strengthen national mechanisms targeted at atrocity prevention.
Amongst other participants the event was attended by Mr. Michel Gottret, President of the GAAMAC Association; Mr. Bakari Sidiby Diaby, a CERD member and Chair of the GAAMAC Africa Working Group; Elisabeth Pramendorfer and Priscila Vazquez from the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, a GAAMAC Steering Group member.
