United Nations, Dec 10 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday asked for universality of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust and Second World War, the world came together and adopted a convention to prevent genocide and punish those who commit this heinous crime, said Guterres in a message on the 70th anniversary of the convention.

"Seventy years later, the prevention of genocide remains a cardinal task for our time. That is why I launched an appeal for every country to ratify the Genocide Convention. I urge the 45 remaining States to do so without delay." reports Xinhua.

He also asked all states to translate the convention's words into action to prevent massive human suffering and advance accountability.

"At a time of rising anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry and other forms of hatred, racism and xenophobia, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the equality and dignity of all."

The Genocide Convention was adopted on December 9, 1948. The UN General Assembly in September 2015 designated December 9 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.