Nordic statement deliverd by Julia Fielding, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN, at the General Debate of the Sixth Committee Agenda item 83: Crimes against humanity, 77th session of the UN General Assembly, United Nations, 10 October 2022
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway – and my own country, Sweden.
Among the core international crimes only the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity lack a dedicated international convention. Despite being clearly prohibited under international law, civilian populations continue to be victims of crimes against humanity, and perpetrators continue to act with impunity. We must redouble our efforts to prevent and punish these heinous crimes, which are of concern to the international community as a whole.
Mme/Mr Chair,
The Nordic countries continue to fully support the ILC recommendation to elaborate a convention on crimes against humanity. A convention on the basis of the Draft Articles would strengthen the international criminal justice system and contribute to strengthening national laws and criminal jurisdiction in the fight against impunity for crimes against humanity. It would be an important addition to the international legal framework and promote inter-state cooperation and efficient investigations.
Mme/Mr Chair,
There is substantial support among states to move forward towards the elaboration of a convention. However, no progress has been made in the past three years, despite a majority of states expressing support for further consideration of the Draft Articles. This process must not be delayed any longer.
We remain convinced that the concerns that have been raised by a few states as regards clarification on some of the Draft Articles can be addressed through efficient, inclusive, transparent, and constructive intersessional discussions among experts. An Ad Hoc Committee with a clear mandate and time frame would provide a suitable format for these discussions. It would enable states to examine and exchange substantive views on the Draft Articles and consider further the recommendation of the ILC, without prejudging the outcome of these discussions as to whether or not a convention should be concluded and states’ positions on participation. The Nordic countries therefore appreciate the draft proposal by Mexico and a number of delegations and we look forward to engaging constructively in the negotiations on this proposal.
It is imperative that the Sixth Committee demonstrate willingness and ability to follow up on the ILC recommendation to ensure the effective prevention and punishment for these horrendous crimes. The Nordic countries continue to steadfastly support the ILC recommendation to elaborate a convention on crimes against humanity and stand ready to take the next steps.
Thank you.