Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that the discussion of a new treaty represents a "rare opportunity that comes once in a generation," which will allow for improved mechanisms to prevent serious crimes and ensure accountability for them.
He emphasized that countries must demonstrate determination in preparing the text of this document.
Photo UN. Volker Turk
Turk stressed that the new document should reflect current changes in international law and take into account modern types of crimes. He also expressed support for the idea of including the term "gender apartheid" and urged states to seriously consider this and other proposals.
Volker Turk highlighted the importance of an inclusive process involving various civil society groups and experts. He called for the involvement of victims in the subsequent stages of negotiations so that the new treaty fully meets their expectations.
The High Commissioner suggested that delegates think about mechanisms for implementing the new agreement, including the possibility of creating a specialized body. "The convention should not just be a set of words on paper. It should encourage states to put the norms into practice," added Volker Turk.
Reference 24.kg
Crimes against humanity are serious acts committed as part of widespread or systematic attacks against civilian populations, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and other inhumane acts. Unlike war crimes, they can occur both in times of conflict and in peacetime. Currently, there is no separate universal convention dedicated exclusively to crimes against humanity.
