Holy See: Strengthened measures against crimes against humanity required – Vatican News

The Holy See’s Call for Effective International Measures to Combat Crimes Against Humanity

The Holy See’s Permanent Observer at the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, addressed the Sixth Committee, Resumed Session of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, reiterating the urgent need for strong action against crimes against humanity. Archbishop Caccia emphasized the importance of human dignity and prevention efforts in combating these crimes.

Recognition of Crimes Against Humanity

The Permanent Observer highlighted the longstanding recognition of crimes against humanity as international crimes within customary international law. He emphasized that “the International Law Commission (ILC) has rightly said that the prohibition of these crimes is indeed a peremptory norm of international law.”

International Cooperation to Prevent and Punish

Archbishop Caccia further highlighted the necessity of a “universal, multilateral, legally binding instrument, codifying the existing customary law in this area,” which he believes would promote international cooperation in the prevention and punishment of these “heinous acts.” He recalled the words of Pope Francis, stating, “the dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances.”

He emphasized the essential role of human dignity, the foundation of all human rights, in addressing crimes against humanity.

Strengthening Efficacy

Turning then to the draft instrument, Archbishop Caccia proposed amendments to strengthen its efficacy. He noted that while the dual purpose of the new instrument is to prevent and punish crimes against humanity, the draft does not contain an explicit reference to the former aim. He suggested incorporating a reference to human dignity in preambular paragraph nine to provide a more robust interpretative framework for the Draft Articles.

Furthermore, he advocated for explicit acknowledgment of the imperative of prevention in the preamble. He stressed that since the prohibition of crimes against humanity is a peremptory norm, the definition of these acts must also be deeply rooted in customary international law. Therefore, in defining these crimes against humanity, the text should not depart from existing customary norms.

Bringing his statement to a close, the Permanent Observer stressed that sovereign interests can never justify crimes against humanity and welcomed the inclusion of ius cogens in the fourth preambular paragraph of the Draft Articles, emphasizing the significance of this reference.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
   • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms
   • Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main SDG addressed is SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The article emphasizes the urgent need for strong action against crimes against humanity, which aligns with Target 16.1 of significantly reducing all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. Additionally, the promotion of the rule of law, equal access to justice, and the reduction of corruption mentioned in the article correspond to Targets 16.3, 16.4, and 16.5, respectively. The importance of providing legal identity for all, including birth registration, as emphasized by Archbishop Caccia, relates to Target 16.9.

Furthermore, the article also touches upon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. The call for empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all aligns with Target 10.2.

Lastly, the issue of crimes against humanity can also be linked to SDG 5: Gender Equality. The elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and sexual exploitation, mentioned in the article corresponds to Target 5.2.

Unfortunately, the article does not provide specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

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Source: vaticannews.va

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