Speech by Ambassador Balayan at the Commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

24 April, 2025

Chers Bourgmestres, Beste Kamer- en Senaatsleden, Հարգելի Հայր սուրբ,

Excellences, chers collègues, Սիրելի հայրենակիցներ, Mesdames et messieurs en vos titre et qualité, Dear Friends,

Je vous remercie pour nous joindre en cette journée de commémoration du 110eme anniversaire du Genocide arménien - une tragédie qui a marqué l‘une des plus sombre chapitre de l’histoire de l’humanité. Over the past century, thousands of memorials have been erected across the globe dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. Among them is this Armenian khachkar — this cross-stone — in the heart of Brussels that gives us the opportunity to remember, to reflect, and to honor the memory of those who perished.

Beste vrienden,

I believe these sites of reflection and remembrance play a vital role.They are not merely monuments of stone, but beacons of truth and resilience. They remind us not only of the lives lost, but also of our shared responsibility: to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten. Your presence here today — including representatives of nations that have recognized the Armenian Genocide and those whose people, a century ago, opened their arms to the survivors — is a powerful statement. It reflects progress toward justice and truth. The Armenian Genocide is an established historical fact. Its memory will not fade into oblivion — just as these monuments, built with the weight of sorrow and the strength of remembrance, will endure through generations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I also believe that such monuments stand as a tribute to the courage and resilience of the survivors — those who, despite enduring unimaginable pain and loss, found the strength to move forward, those who committed themselves to rebuilding their communities, to laying the foundations of strong democratic statehood, and to ensuring that such a tragedy would never be repeated — not only for their own people, but for all of humanity. The legacy of these monuments is one of perseverance, and it is our responsibility to carry it forward. Because remembrance is also a call for action.

It is in this spirit that the Armenian government has embarked on a path toward normalizing relations, establishing lasting peace, and fostering sustainable development in our region. Yet, the journey has been far from smooth. Once again, we have witnessed the proliferation of hate and the resurgence of violence. Despite our sincere efforts, they have not been met with the same willingness or spirit of reconciliation.

The Mets Yeghern sadly not only did not remain the last crime against humanity of the 20th century. In the 21st century we continue to witness new mass atrocities fueled by hatred, racial and ethnic intolerance. That is why since regaining the independence Armenia became the torchbearer of the international efforts aimed at the identification and early warning for such crimes, as well as prompt response, prevention and elimination of atrocities. As a result of Armenia’s efforts, in 2015, the United Nations designated December 9 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide. In continuation of the resolutions adopted in previous years, in April 2024, the UN Human Rights Council adopted by consensus the resolution on the "Prevention of Genocide" presented by Armenia. All these efforts are aimed at transforming “Never again” from a promise into reality.

Chers amis,

Surviving the trauma of the Genocide has been one of the key issues on our national agenda for more than a century, regardless of the extent to which it has been formulated - Mets Yeghern or the Armenian Genocide. The past is unchangeable, reality is undeniable, and memory is eternal. More than a century later, we find ourselves turning to the world once again — not to seek refuge this time, but to be strong enough to build a peaceful and just future. A future where the lessons of the past guide our actions, and where the dignity and security of every nation and every people are upheld.

The Armenian genocide was a tragedy of humanity’s failure. But it can also be a testament to humanity’s potential – to learn, to grow, and to change.

Beste vrienden et chers amis,

We cannot go back and change the past, but we can start where we are and shape the future. Help us to shape that peaceful future.

Bedankt et merci.

MFA RA
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