In December 2024, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 79/122 to move the International Law Commission’s (ILC) Draft Articles on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity (Draft Articles) to a Conference of Plenipotentiaries to be held in 2028 and 2029. The Conference is preceded by two Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meetings on 19 to 30 January 2026 and 12 to 15 April 2027.
The ILC Draft Articles serve as a basis for intergovernmental negotiations toward a possible convention. As the preparatory process advances, States are considering the substantive and procedural aspects of the convention, including the scope and structure of the Draft Articles and issues related to implementation, including institutional arrangements. States have until 30 April 2026 to submit proposals for amendments to the Draft Articles to the UN Secretary General for inclusion in a compiled text to be used in the negotiations. Despite this deadline, States are not prohibited from making proposals for amendments at a later date.
In its December 2024 resolution, the UNGA determined that only ECOSOC-registered NGOs could participate in the first PrepCom. At that PrepCom in 2026, States agreed to broaden participation in the second PrepCom in 2027 to representatives of non-government organisations (other than those with ECOSOC status), civil society organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector, on a non-objection basis. A decision on civil society participation in the Conference of Plenipotentiaries is yet to be taken.
To support the adoption of a forward-looking convention, enhancements to the Draft Articles may be contemplated by States. The International Commission of Jurists’ (ICJ) Global Accountability Initiative, in coordination with NGOs, academics, and other experts, has made recommendations on amendments to the preamble and definition of crimes against humanity and the scope and enforcement of obligations in the convention. In this regard, consideration could be given to the establishment of a treaty mechanism, taking into account the practice and experience of similar bodies.
The ICJ is a member of the Steering Committee of the Coalition on Crimes Against Humanity (C-CAH) and its Review Sub-Committee (for registration of C-CAH members). Through the C-CAH and independently, the ICJ has also been working to enable and support calls for full and effective civil society participation in the negotiation process.
For further information about the negotiation process and ICJ activities, please use the following links:
- Preparatory Committee meetings
- ICJ Publications
- ICJ Events and Advocacy
- Coalition for the Crimes Against Humanity Convention
