Holy See Calls for Legal Action on Crimes Against Humanity

New York, October 16, 2024: The Holy See, represented by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican Permanent Observer to the United Nations, has reaffirmed its support for a legally binding convention aimed at preventing and punishing crimes against humanity. As the United Nations moves toward adopting this crucial legal instrument, the Holy See emphasizes that it should align with established international norms, uphold justice principles and respect state sovereignty while ensuring the support and protection of victims.

During the Sixth Committee of the 79th UN General Assembly meeting, Archbishop Caccia highlighted the ongoing efforts since 2019 to address the absence of an international treaty specifically dedicated to crimes against humanity, distinguishing it from existing treaties covering war crimes, genocide, torture and enforced disappearance. He underscored the necessity for the treaty to be grounded in existing customary law to maintain the dignity of every human person and promote international cooperation while holding perpetrators accountable.

The Archbishop expressed particular concern regarding the draft's unclear definition of gender, asserting that it should reflect the biological reality of two sexes. He warned that any ambiguity could hinder the prosecution of crimes disproportionately affecting women, such as rape and sexual slavery. Additionally, the Holy See opposes any changes to the definition of forced pregnancy as outlined in Article 7 of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute.

Addressing the balance between state sovereignty and international cooperation, Archbishop Caccia reiterated that states bear the primary responsibility for prosecuting crimes against humanity within their borders, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation in extraditing perpetrators and assisting victims. He stressed that no individual should be extradited to a location where they risk facing crimes against humanity or inhumane treatment.

Concluding his address, the Vatican Observer insisted that the proposed convention must prioritize human dignity and foster international cooperation, ensuring that victims receive the necessary compensation and assistance for their reintegration into society. This comprehensive approach aims to address the pressing need for a international legal framework to combat impunity for crimes against humanity.

Courtesy: Vatican News