UNGA adopts a Resolution paving way for negotiations of a Treaty on Crimes against Humanity

Posted 25 Nov 2024

2 min read

Recently, Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) approved ‘United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity’.

Sixth Committee of the UNGA is the primary forum for the consideration of legal questions in the General Assembly.
Crime against Humanity is defined as specific criminal acts including murder, rape, torture, apartheid, deportation, and persecution, when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population according to a state or organizational policy. (Rome Statute)

Need of a Treaty on Crimes against Humanity

Absence of dedicated international treaty: Existing International Humanitarian Laws (the laws of war such as Geneva Convention) do not adequately proscribe potential crimes that can be committed in non-armed conflict situations.
To provide comprehensive framework for countries: It would offer new pathways for victims of crimes against humanity and provide framework for countries to incorporate these crimes into their national legal systems.
Global cooperation: It would also foster cooperation with other states, for example through mutual legal assistance.

Existing Mechanisms to prevent Crimes against Humanity

International Humanitarian Laws
- 4 Geneva Conventions (1949),
- Biological Weapons Convention (1972),
- Chemical Weapons Convention (1993),
- Rome Statute for International Criminal Court (1998), etc.
Framework in India: Article 51 directs the state to promote international peace and security and foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, etc.