The Africa Group for Justice and Accountability (AGJA) calls on African states to engage productively and supportively in the ongoing negotiations over a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty. Such a treaty would offer an important additional tool for those engaged in the fight against international crimes around the globe.
At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee which will take place later this year, the Draft Articles on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity prepared by the International Law Commission will be discussed and debated. Should states proceed and the treaty subsequently be adopted, a stand-alone convention on crimes against humanity would join others already addressing war crimes and genocide.
Some African states have already indicated their support for treaty negotiations. AGJA lauds the position taken by these states and encourages others, especially those that have yet to adopt an official position on the matter, to support the adoption of a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty and engage productively in building consensus on adopting the treaty during this year’s meetings of the General Assembly’s Sixth Committee.