Crimes against humanity: Key U.N. committee adopts resolution paving way for first-ever treaty  

U.N. committee adopts resolution for historic treaty on crimes against humanity after Russia drops amendments, paving way for negotiations.

A key United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly committee adopted a resolution on Friday (November 22, 2024) paving way for negotiations on a first-ever treaty on preventing and punishing crimes against humanity after Russia dropped amendments that would have derailed the effort.

The resolution was approved by consensus by the assembly’s legal committee, which includes all 193-member U.N. nations, after tense last-minute negotiations between its supporters and Russia that dragged through the day.

There was a loud applause when the chairman of the committee gavelled the resolution’s approval. It is virtually certain to be adopted when the General Assembly puts it to a final vote on December 4.

International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, Hamas leader Mohammed Deif

“Today’s agreement to start up negotiations on a much-needed international treaty is an historic achievement that was a long time coming,” Richard Dicker, Human Rights Watch’s senior legal adviser for advocacy, told The Associated Press.

“It sends a crucial message that impunity for the kinds of crimes inflicted on civilians in Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, southern Israel, Gaza and Myanmar will not go unheeded,” he said.

The resolution calls for a time-bound process with preparatory sessions in 2026 and 2027, and three-week negotiating sessions in 2028 and 2029 to finalise a treaty on crimes against humanity.