Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that the discussion of a new treaty represents a "unique opportunity that comes once in a generation," which could help improve mechanisms for preventing serious crimes and ensuring accountability for them.
He emphasized that states must demonstrate determination and purpose in drafting the text of the convention.
Photo UN. Volker Turk
Turk stressed that the new convention should reflect the evolution of international law and take into account contemporary types of crimes. He also expressed support for the proposal to include the concept of "gender apartheid" in the document and urged countries to carefully consider this and other initiatives.
According to him, an important part of the process should be the involvement of various civil society groups and experts, which will ensure an inclusive approach. He also called for the participation of victims in the next stages of negotiations so that the future document can fully meet their expectations.
The High Commissioner strongly recommended that delegates work on the mechanisms for implementing the future treaty, including the possibility of creating a special body. "The convention should not just be a set of words, but a tool that facilitates the implementation of norms," added Volker Turk.
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Crimes against humanity are defined as serious acts committed as part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and other forms of inhumane treatment. Unlike war crimes, such acts can occur both in armed conflict and in peacetime. Currently, there is no separate universal convention dedicated exclusively to crimes against humanity.
