Statement To 6th Committee Session On Crimes Against Humanity –Recommendation of The International Law Commission

By H. E. Archbishop Gabriele Giordano CacciaApostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

Statement to the Sixth Committee, Resumed Session on Crimes Against Humanity

during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Agenda item 80: Crimes against humanity

Recommendation of the International Law Commission (ILC)

New York, 4 April 2024

Mr. Chair,

As stated previously, the Holy See supports the conclusion of a universal, multilateral, legally binding instrument on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, on the basis of existing customary law, with a view to upholding the dignity of every human person, promoting international cooperation and ending impunity for perpetrators.

Given the importance of achieving universal adherence, it is imperative that the new instrument be adopted by consensus. In particular, in the area of the definition of the crimes, the negotiations should follow scrupulously the existing customary norms, without seeking to innovate. At the same time, any future negotiations should be open to all States, and not just UN member States.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.