Human Rights Watch and Columbia Law School’s Prevention of Crimes Against Humanity Project have released a new briefing paper urging the development of a strong and effective International Convention to Prevent and Punish Crimes against Humanity. The document presents 25 recommendations for UN delegations as they prepare for formal treaty negotiations. Crimes against humanity—such as extermination, enslavement, rape, forced pregnancy, persecution, enforced disappearance, and apartheid—are among the gravest offenses under international law. While their prohibition is already recognized as a peremptory norm, the proposed treaty would establish coherence and consistency in how these crimes are treated globally, enhancing cooperation among states to prevent and punish them.
It has been 80 years since the Nuremberg Trials charged Nazi leaders with crimes against humanity, yet no treaty exclusively dedicated to these crimes exists. The upcoming negotiations, prompted by UN General Assembly Resolution 79/122 in December 2024, present a historic opportunity to close that gap. Preparatory meetings will begin in January 2026, marking a crucial phase in consolidating global commitments. The process aims to include regional consultations and ensure accessibility through webcasting, translation, and participation by victims’ groups, women’s rights advocates, Indigenous peoples, academics, and people with disabilities.
Human Rights Watch emphasized that countries must remain united and avoid delays caused by consensus-only decision-making, urging delegates to vote when needed to maintain momentum. At a recent meeting of the UN Sixth Committee in October 2025, countries from across the world reaffirmed their support for the treaty process. Many, led by Costa Rica, stressed the inclusion of civil society organizations—even those without formal UN accreditation—to ensure broad and equitable participation. Germany also underlined the need for their involvement in upcoming working group sessions.
During the January 2026 working group, states will discuss possible amendments to the draft articles prepared by the International Law Commission in 2019. These drafts, previously reviewed during earlier sessions, will form the foundation of the negotiations. States are expected to submit amendment proposals by April 30, 2026, which will then be compiled for consideration at the plenipotentiary conferences planned for 2028 and 2029. The treaty aims to strengthen justice mechanisms for crimes against humanity by encouraging national legislation, facilitating legal cooperation, and ensuring comprehensive recognition of victims’ rights, including reparations and protections for vulnerable groups.
Human Rights Watch and Columbia Law School have highlighted 13 potential amendments to improve the draft articles, emphasizing gender sensitivity, disability inclusion, and procedural safeguards. They warn against any efforts to weaken the treaty’s principles on prevention and accountability. With strong leadership from countries such as The Gambia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Sierra Leone, and support from civil society, the growing momentum represents a vital step toward reinforcing multilateralism and justice. As Richard Dicker of Human Rights Watch noted, victims and survivors—from places like Gaza City to Mariupol—should remain at the center of this process, guiding the world’s commitment to accountability and human rights.
