In a significant call for global cooperation, human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Columbia Law School’s Global Justice Project, have urged for an ambitious vision aimed at preventing crimes against humanity. Their recent recommendations come as member states of the United Nations prepare for formal negotiations aimed at establishing a comprehensive international agreement. This proposed treaty seeks to outline various forms of crimes against humanity, including genocide, enslavement, and persecution, thus paving the way for a unified international response.
Call for Effective International Legal Framework
On Monday, these organizations presented a new paper detailing 25 recommendations for UN delegations to consider during upcoming treaty negotiations. They emphasized that any effective international agreement on crimes against humanity must address serious violations such as genocide, enslavement, and forced disappearances. The document stresses the urgent need for legal frameworks that can respond to these egregious acts, which should be classified as a “peremptory norm,” a fundamental rule that no state can disregard.
Ackshaya Kumar, the Crisis Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, pointed out the long-standing gap in global accountability. “It has been 80 years since Nazi leaders were charged with crimes against humanity at Nuremberg, yet we are still waiting for a dedicated treaty to address these crimes,” Kumar remarked. She urged diplomats in New York to fill this “vacuum” by committing to a process that adequately addresses systemic exclusion and inequality that have historically plagued international law-making.
Preparatory Committee and Engagement Strategies
As UN member states move forward, a Preparatory Committee is set to form in January 2026, marking a pivotal step towards international commitment to preventing and punishing these crimes against humanity. The meetings in New York will be complemented by regional consultations aimed at increasing accessibility, particularly given the current visa restrictions affecting participation.
The organizations have also stressed the importance of live-streaming the sessions with real-time translation to ensure maximum participation from diverse stakeholders, including victims, survivors, women’s rights advocates, indigenous communities, academics, and youth. This inclusivity is vital in crafting a treaty that represents a broad range of perspectives and experiences in the ongoing fight against crimes against humanity.
Global Support and Future Steps
Recent discussions within the United Nations’ Sixth Committee—the legal body of the General Assembly—have seen numerous countries reiterate their support for the treaty process initiated by December 2024’s resolution. Participating states, led by Costa Rica, are increasingly vocal about the necessity of engaging civil society organizations throughout all stages of negotiation. Many representatives noted the challenges faced by local groups in navigating the consultation process to gain formal consultative status.
At the same time, Germany highlighted the crucial role that civil society organizations play in upcoming “working group” sessions scheduled for January 2026. During these discussions, delegations will present their views on potential amendments to the draft articles developed by the International Law Commission, which have been under review since 2019. By April 30, 2026, states will be required to submit their proposals for revisions, allowing for a comprehensive dialogue that will carry forward into the diplomatic conferences set for 2028 and 2029.
As the negotiations progress, the organizations stress the importance of refining the treaty to address the unique vulnerabilities faced by women, children, and persons with disabilities. They also advocate for procedural safeguards for the accused, along with provisions that limit safe havens for suspects while respecting victims’ rights and ensuring broad jurisdictional reach.