1. Introduction
Genocide is probably a crime as old as organized human society. Virtually no region or nation has been free of it. Yet, it has been only conceptualised in the XX Century. In 1944, fresh from the horrors of World War II professor Raphael Lemkin speaks for the first time of the crime of genocide.

Indeed, in the XX Century the ancient feelings of intolerance, hatred, greed, fear of the difference, ignorance and bigotry led us to the worst mass killings in memory of the human being.

It is true that through the media, the drama of millions of fellow human beings enter in our homes. This creates a renewed awareness, fosters compassion and in several cases prompts action by countries, international organizations, the civil society and individuals.

It is also true, particularly after the Holocaust, that the international community has taken considerable steps to eradicate this scourge, but the events in Africa, the Balkans and elsewhere show us, it has been not enough. Sadly, killing people because they look different, think differently, worship differently continues to be practiced to this day.
Recent events confirm this assessment. The emergence of terrorism in all its different forms has brought similar consequences.

At the dawn of the XXI Century we should collectively endeavor to make genocide a word of the past, a reminder of a bygone collective shame, never to be repeated.

Therefore:

· Genocide affects us all collectively and as individuals
· Genocide is a complex, multi-faced phenomenon.

What is then needed?

· Collective action by the International Community
· To consider it in all its different causes to be able to prevent it effectively.

Therefore, among other things we should examine the following aspects:

1. Deterrence trough legal means
2. Conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peacemaking. Global and regional approaches.
3. The fostering of a democratic culture. Cooperation for Development. The importance of education.

2. Deterrence trough legal means
Uruguay believes that is essential to stick to the international legal definition of the crime of genocide as found in the Statute of Rome that takes the concept in identical terms than the established in Articles II and III of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide.

The 1948 Convention was a monumental step forward in the history of International Law; it changed long-held conceptions regarding the role of states and individuals, making the latter responsible to the International Community for crimes against humanity. One essential element in the fight against genocide was being introduced: deterrence through credible individual punishment. Perpetrators should no longer feel safe anywhere in the world. It is the introduction of the principle of universal repression.

In 1993 and 1994 ad-hoc Courts were established by the Security Council of the United Nations to deal with the cases of Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. That solution is working appropriately with regard these two specific situations. But It was not enough, there was something missing: a permanent International Court to judge people charged with the crime of genocide to describe one of the major lacunae of the Convention.
That is why 1998 Rome Statute establishing an International Criminal Court is another fundamental development in the fight against genocide.

The international community has now a considerable wealth of legislation and institutions that needs to be firmly supported and strengthened by all the countries to be completely and fully applicable.

In this regard we would like to point out that Uruguay has fulfilled all internal requirements for the entry into force of the Statute of Rome and therefore, has proceed to ratify in all terms this legal body.

3. Conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping and peacemaking. Global and regional approaches.
More often than not, genocide has been perpetrated within the borders of a single national state. However, there is no doubt that it is and always has always been a major threat to international peace and security.

It is, therefore, entirely legitimate and imperative for the international community, through the mechanisms, procedures (mainly Chapters VI, VII and VIII) and in accordance with the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations and other relevant international instruments to make every effort to prevent genocide.

To effectively do so, it is necessary to have an early warning structure and coordination. The United Nations through its agencies and offices in the field are particularly well placed to perform this task. We have to recognize that over the last decade, the UN has done much to considerably develop its capabilities in matters of what has been called preventive diplomacy. We have to support and encourage the organization to continue doing so. We must provide it with the means to further improve in that key area. Countries, particularly the more developed ones, regional organizations and NGOs should all effectively cooperate with the UN by providing information and analysis as appropriate.

UN peacekeeping operations in many occasions have proved an efficient tool to prevent genocidal practices.

Uruguay is obviously not an economic or military power but is conscious in the extreme that every country no matter its size or degree of development has an obligation, proportionate with its means to contribute to world peace, security and stability. This is why since 1951 Uruguayan military, police and civilian personnel proudly took or are taking part in more than 20 UN peacekeeping operations. Currently about 3000 of our countrymen and women are deployed all over the world, making us the largest contributor to UN operations in per capita terms and the eight in absolute terms. In the performance of their duties many Uruguayans have manifestly contributed to stop genocidal violence. Some of them have payed the ultimate price.

It is true that the UN System, and particularly the Security Council and the General Assembly need reform to better confront the new realities of peace and security.
Our country has been participating actively and will continue to participate in the reform efforts currently under way in the United Nations.

Having stated that, Uruguay is of the opinion that the existing institutional and legal systems are reasonably adequate to prevent genocide, but what we essentially need is the political will to use them fairly, effectively and appropriately.

4. The fostering of a democratic culture. Cooperation for Development. The importance of education.

Democracy is the best system for securing freedom, good governance, and a dec.
For that purpose, international cooperation and assistance are vital. This involves governments, international organizations and NGOs.

But mere assistance is not enough. Developing countries should be given the possibility of generating their own wealth and prosperity. A leveled playing field in international trade without barriers, and in particular in the area of agriculture is absolutely essential for development.

Fostering tolerance is imperative. The best and probably the only way to achieve that goal is trough education. The International Community should increase efforts in this area.

5. Concluding Remarks

Uruguay feels very honored to be part of the fourth Stockholm Forum . It constitutes a unique gathering of governments and international organizations to produce a joint, cooperative approach to examine the issue of genocide and to generate new consensus, ideas and concrete proposals to better deal with this extremely complex and ambitious task.