09.10.2024 Joint Nordic Statement on Crimes Against Humanity
Check Against Delivery
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden - and my own country - Denmark.
Crimes against humanity are among the most serious crimes of international concern.
Confronted with a rise in atrocity crimes worldwide, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to prevent these horrendous crimes and punish their perpetrators. The lack of a dedicated convention on crimes against humanity is a significant gap in international treaty law – a gap that the international community must fill without delay. We owe it to the victims and survivors.
The Nordic countries are convinced that a convention on crimes against humanity would provide further impetus to the prevention and punishment of atrocity crimes. We therefore fully support efforts to elaborate and conclude a legally binding convention. We continue to believe that the ILC Draft Articles are a solid basis for future successful and inclusive negotiations.
A convention based on the Draft Articles would contribute to strengthening national laws and criminal jurisdiction. A convention would also promote inter-state cooperation with regard to the investigation, prosecution and punishment of crimes against humanity. It could reflect evolving definitions under customary international law and contribute to increasing prevention and accountability for grave human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based crimes.
During the resumed sessions the Sixth Committee engaged in substantive and inclusive discussions on the Draft Articles. This was a constructive experience which allowed the Sixth Committee to move beyond the procedural debate. Significant progress was made and we were pleased to note convergence of views on several aspects. The Sixth Committee’s robust engagement on the Draft Articles demonstrates that states are ready to proceed to negotiations on the basis of them. Negotiations would provide the opportunity and forum to address the concerns that have been raised by states and to resolve the divergences that remain on the text.
In closing, the Nordic countries reiterate our firm commitment to move forward towards a legally binding convention. We will continue to engage constructively with the view to finally taking a decision on this matter during this 79th session of the General Assembly. And we invite all delegations to do the same. We commend the efforts of Mexico and the Gambia as co-facilitators of the current draft resolution, which already enjoys broad support from all regions. Let us continue our constructive discussions and seek consensus around the ILC Draft Articles. It is time to deliver on our common duty to ensure justice for victims and survivors of crimes against humanity.