Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity (January 19–30, 2026; Trusteeship Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York).
Legal Framework and the “Impunity Gap”
Before the Rome Statute, definitions of Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) were often fragmented or limited to specific conflicts. The 1998 Rome Statute provided the first permanent and universal definition. Under Article 7, a Crime Against Humanity consists of any of 11 prohibited acts—including enforced disappearance, murder, and sexual violence—when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. Crucially, the UN clarifies that these crimes do not require a link to armed conflict and can occur during peacetime.
Despite this progress, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding the proactive prevention of these crimes and the lack of a direct obligation for states to cooperate in their prosecution. To close this “impunity gap,” the UN and civil society have partnered to develop a dedicated, stand-alone treaty.
Path Toward a Global Treaty: Timeline of ProgressThe momentum toward a comprehensive convention has been steady since the early 2010s:
Founded in 2025, the C-CAH coordinates organizations and individuals to advance the convention. The Coalition is co-chaired by Leila Sadat, who in 2008 launched the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative. Member organizations—including the Global Justice Center, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Asia Justice Coalition, and the End Gender Apartheid Campaign—are working to close legal gaps through targeted advocacy and amendments to the draft text. The Coalition serves as a “big tent” for collaboration, guided by a commitment to non-discrimination and the progressive development of international law.
Looking Toward 2029A legally binding global treaty on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity is expected to be finalized in 2029. In collaboration with our global partners, ESJF is committed to ensuring that the experiences of Indigenous women and girls are accurately documented and protected. They must be recognized and safeguarded as part of the core fabric of this new international law.
Submitted by Sung Sohn
Legal Framework and the “Impunity Gap”
Before the Rome Statute, definitions of Crimes Against Humanity (CAH) were often fragmented or limited to specific conflicts. The 1998 Rome Statute provided the first permanent and universal definition. Under Article 7, a Crime Against Humanity consists of any of 11 prohibited acts—including enforced disappearance, murder, and sexual violence—when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. Crucially, the UN clarifies that these crimes do not require a link to armed conflict and can occur during peacetime.
Despite this progress, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding the proactive prevention of these crimes and the lack of a direct obligation for states to cooperate in their prosecution. To close this “impunity gap,” the UN and civil society have partnered to develop a dedicated, stand-alone treaty.
Path Toward a Global Treaty: Timeline of ProgressThe momentum toward a comprehensive convention has been steady since the early 2010s:
- 2014: The UN appointed Sean D. Murphy as Special Rapporteur to research and draft new global rules.
- 2015–2017: The International Law Commission (ILC) completed the “First Reading” of the draft articles.
- 2017–2018: Drafts were circulated to international governments and organizations for global feedback.
- May 2019: The UN adopted the “Second Reading,” finalizing the technical legal text.
- August 5, 2019: The ILC submitted the finalized drafts to the UN General Assembly.
- December 4, 2024: At a historic turning point, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 79/122, establishing the process for creating a global treaty on crimes against humanity.
Founded in 2025, the C-CAH coordinates organizations and individuals to advance the convention. The Coalition is co-chaired by Leila Sadat, who in 2008 launched the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative. Member organizations—including the Global Justice Center, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Asia Justice Coalition, and the End Gender Apartheid Campaign—are working to close legal gaps through targeted advocacy and amendments to the draft text. The Coalition serves as a “big tent” for collaboration, guided by a commitment to non-discrimination and the progressive development of international law.
Looking Toward 2029A legally binding global treaty on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity is expected to be finalized in 2029. In collaboration with our global partners, ESJF is committed to ensuring that the experiences of Indigenous women and girls are accurately documented and protected. They must be recognized and safeguarded as part of the core fabric of this new international law.
Submitted by Sung Sohn