You are here: 2004 / Plenary Sessions / Plenary Session 3 / Address by the minister of Cooperation of Luxemburg, Charles Goerens
	Participants Countries and organizations Conference documentation Conference programme				Address by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger Address by the Minister of Justice of Finland, Johannes Koskinen Address by the Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Vidar Helgesen Address by the Deputy-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Margherita Boniver Address by the Ambassador and Secretary of State, Ministry for Foreign Relations, Argentine, Jorge Taiana Address by the Deputy Chairperson, the Commission of the African Union, Patrick Mazimhaka Address by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs of Malta, Tonio Borg Address by the minister of Cooperation of Luxemburg, Charles Goerens Address by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, Andreas Loverdos Address by the Archbishop of the Holy See, Celestino Migliore Address by the Secretary of the Presidency of Uruguay, Raśl Lago Address by the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Christian Strohal Address by the State Secretary, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Blaise Godet Address by the minister of Cooperation of Luxemburg, Charles Goerens Goerens, Charles Address by H.E Charles Goerens, Minister of Cooperation, Luxemburg After Auschwitz we are more aware of the threats that we face when civil liberties come under attack. Does this mean that since then we have been immune to all dangers? Nothing could be less certain. These days, it is both reassuring and disturbing to note the swift and very animated exhibitions of disapproval aroused by every xenophobic, racist or anti-Semitic statement. Reassuring, because not only does no position that is at odds with the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity escape notice – it leads numerous citizens to condemn these types of goings on at once. Disturbing, because subtler yet no less suggestive forms of racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism or islamophobia often pass without provoking a response. Reassuring, because our societies are more alert. Disturbing, because numerous taboos have been broken: attitudes that were banned from public discourse not long ago are infecting more and more of the positions people adopt today. It is against this background that the conclusions of the present conference regarding the prevention of genocide will be articulated. Many are those who have called to mind episodes of genocide, extending up to the most recent cases, notably Rwanda. It is necessary to talk about these things, and necessary above all to begin to face the past, a task that is always extremely sensitive. If we do not investigate the causes of a genocide, we will be in less of a position to prevent recurrence. Without an open and frank debate about the past, we will never be in a position to bring the actors to justice, however limited. But let us by all means talk about the successes too. Let us talk about the conflicts that have been avoided, prevented. People no longer talk about them, because they didn’t happen. No one has recalled them, because conflicts that have not happened have no visibility. Let us acknowledge it, it’s a great handicap, prevention is hard to sell, a conflict forestalled has no CNN effect. There is barely a mention of the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, where we brushed shoulders with disaster. Thanks to the vigilance and presence of France, the worst failed to happen. The crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is another case in point. Its peaceful resolution is not the sort of story to feature in the 9 o’clock news. And what about the process of European integration? Isn’t this the best example of a mechanism for preventing conflict and genocide? Let us add the dissuasive power that the International Criminal Court will be able to wield, without failing to acknowledge our responsibility as industrialised countries vis-à-vis the developing countries. The better a society’s prospects, the less it will be tempted by collective irresponsibility. This makes clear our responsibilities, whether as citizens or as political actors. Our institutions, along with the network of international institutions, particularly UN bodies, are part of the solution – or at least there are many of us who share this belief. Let us therefore without hesitation reaffirm loud and clear the virtues of multilateralism under the auspices of the United Nations. The present conference is a good opportunity to do so. In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to the Swedish authorities and more especially Prime Minister Persson for having succeeded for the fourth time in highlighting the responsibility of our societies in the face of threats that do not cease to challenge the achievements of liberalisation. Henceforth, these vital questions are less likely to be shrouded in a conspiracy of silence. >> Back to top				Introduction Opening Session Plenary Sessions Plenary Session 1 Plenary Session 2 Plenary Session 3 Plenary Session 4 Workshops, Panels and Seminars Closing Session and Declarations Other Activities
For information about this production and the Stockholm International Forum Conference Series please go to www.humanrights.gov.se or contact Information Rosenbad, SE-103 33 Stockholm, Sweden