UN adopts historic resolution to negotiate convention on crimes against humanity, following Mexican initiative

UN adopts historic resolution to negotiate convention on crimes against humanity, following Mexican initiative

• At yesterday's session, the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee (Legal Affairs) approved a resolution for a convention on crimes against humanity. Mexico and Gambia led the initiative, which drew support from 99 co-sponsoring countries.
• Mexico reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and emphasizes the urgent need to address a 75-year gap in international law on preventing and punishing crimes against humanity

The UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee (Legal Affairs) adopted a historic resolution yesterday calling for a conference to negotiate a convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.

Mexico and Gambia spearheaded this milestone achievement, securing support from 99 countries across all regions. After complex negotiations, member states adopted the resolution by consensus, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen the international legal framework.

Mexico reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and to the work of the International Law Commission (ILC). In 2019, the ILC recommended that the UN General Assembly negotiate a convention based on its draft articles addressing these crimes.

This resolution marks a crucial step toward closing a 75-year gap in international law and advancing efforts to end impunity for crimes against humanity.

It also confirms the United Nations' effectiveness in tackling critical challenges through multilateral diplomacy. As crimes against humanity remain a grave offense against all peoples, the international community must respond with resolve and determination to this pressing issue.

The plenipotentiary conference will take place in 2028, with the possibility of extending its mandate into 2029. Throughout this process, Mexico will continue working closely with all UN Member States to ensure the future convention upholds the highest standards of justice and human rights, and strengthens the international rule of law.