A significant step toward international accountability unfolded on November 22, 2024, when the United Nations General Assembly committee adopted a resolution aimed at establishing the first-ever treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity. This pivotal decision followed intense negotiations, particularly concerning amendments proposed by Russia, which could have potentially derailed the progress of this treaty.
The resolution received approval from the assembly's legal committee, comprising representatives from all 193 U.N. member states. After enduring prolonged discussions, the decision led to immediate applause within the committee chamber as the chairman signaled the agreement's ratification. Now, the resolution awaits final approval from the General Assembly, expected on December 4.
Richard Dicker, the senior legal advisor for human rights advocacy at Human Rights Watch, hailed the day's agreement. He characterized it as "a historic achievement... long overdue," emphasizing its significance for communities impacted by widespread violence. Dicker pointed out the ramifications this treaty could have on innumerable civilian victims across various global crises, including those suffering from the horrors of war and repression in regions like Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Gaza.
The proposed treaty aims to establish defined measures for accountability and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against humanity. The resolution outlines the necessity for preparatory sessions to be staged between 2026 and 2027, culminating with three-week negotiation periods set for 2028 and 2029. This timeline reflects the world's demand for stringent international protocols to address grave violations against civilians.
While the International Criminal Court (ICC) currently exists to prosecute instances of war crimes and genocide, it has been criticized for lacking direct jurisdiction over many nations. The ICC recognizes crimes against humanity when committed as part of widespread operations against civilians, encompassing acts such as murder, torture, and forced disappearances. Yet it is limited by the absence of overarching global treaties focusing solely on these acts.
The resolution's sponsors, which include nations like Mexico and Gambia alongside the backing of 96 other states, believe this initiative will bridge existing gaps within international law.
Among various international observers, there is cautious optimism surrounding the resolution. Kelly Adams, the legal advisor at the Global Justice Center, expressed hope for the new treaty, referring to the necessity of ensuring it is "strong, progressive, and survivor-centric" to effectively serve victims of these harsh realities.
Despite the significance of the resolution, some figures expressed disappointment with the extended timeline for formal treaty negotiations until 2029, including Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. Callamard highlighted the importance of the process nonetheless, asserting it has become increasingly urgent amid rising international tensions and crises.
On the backdrop of the resolution's passage, notable geopolitical developments unfolded with the ICC issuing arrest warrants against high-ranking Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for allegations tied to war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from the Israel-Palestine conflict. These warrants have triggered discussions about the enforcements of such decisions within member states of the ICC.
Maria Zabolotskaya, Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador, acknowledged the adoption of the resolution but reiterated Russia's intent to dissociate from the consensus, remarking the nation still seeks to actively engage with the treaty process. This position illuminates the broader currents influencing international diplomatic dynamics at play.
Gambia's Counselor Amadou Jaiteh, who presented the resolution earlier, captioned the moment by calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for global change, aiming for heightened accountability and the recognition of victims' voices over those committing atrocities.
The unanimous support and swift passage signify not only a potential shift within international law but highlight states’ readiness to reinforce justice frameworks, particularly at times when numerous nations are attempting to evade such standards. With the resolution set to face ratification soon, its awaited implementation will be closely monitored by the global community.
