Mr Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), also speaking on behalf of REDRESS, and conveying the position of the civil society-led Global Initiative Against Impunity (GIAI), warmly welcomes the convening of this Preparatory Committee and commends States for this historic step towards a convention on crimes against humanity.
This process offers a rare opportunity to fill a long-standing gap in international law. Its success will depend on whether the future convention reflects the realities of crimes against humanity today and responds to the needs of victims and survivors.
First, the convention must be fully aligned with contemporary international law and avoid importing unnecessary barriers to accountability. This requires revisiting definitions that currently impose excessively high or restrictive thresholds, including enforced disappearance, torture and persecution.
Second, this convention must be unambiguously victim-centred. Victims of crimes against humanity are not merely sources of evidence; they are rights-holders. The treaty must explicitly guarantee their rights to information, participation, protection and full and effective reparation. This includes concrete obligations of international cooperation, such as freezing and seizing perpetrators’ assets for reparative purposes. At the same time, the convention must remove barriers to justice, including immunities, amnesties, and statutes of limitation.
Third, to be fit for purpose, the convention must address crimes that have too often remained invisible or unpunished. This includes explicitly recognising gender-based crimes, including gender apartheid and serious violations of reproductive autonomy, as well as criminalising incitement to crimes against humanity. History has shown that mass atrocities are often preceded by propaganda and calls to violence. Recognising incitement as a standalone crime is essential not only for accountability, but also for prevention.
Fourth, we strongly urge States to establish a dedicated monitoring and complaints mechanism under the convention. Experience from UN treaty bodies demonstrates that such mechanisms are essential to ensure effective implementation, authoritative interpretation, international cooperation, and access to remedies for victims and survivors.
Finally, meaningful participation of victims, survivors, and civil society, including those without ECOSOC consultative status and those from affected communities and regions, must be ensured throughout this process and beyond. Their lived experience and expertise are essential to crafting a convention that is credible, legitimate, and responsive to real harms.
Excellencies, this Preparatory Committee must help lay the foundations for a convention that is robust, preventive, and grounded in justice for victims. We stand ready to contribute constructively to this crucial endeavour.
I thank you.