{"id":103972,"date":"2026-10-12T10:11:05","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T14:11:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/?post_type=comunicado-de-prensa&#038;p=103972"},"modified":"2026-10-12T10:27:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T14:27:57","slug":"states-must-enable-effective-and-inclusive-civil-society-participation-in-the-negotiations-on-a-convention-on-crimes-against-humanity","status":"publish","type":"comunicado-de-prensa","link":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/press-releases\/states-must-enable-effective-and-inclusive-civil-society-participation-in-the-negotiations-on-a-convention-on-crimes-against-humanity\/","title":{"rendered":"STATES MUST ENABLE EFFECTIVE AND INCLUSIVE CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON A CONVENTION ON CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\"><strong>12 October 2026.-<\/strong> <\/span>On the occasion of the 6<\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">th <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Committee (Legal) of the UN General Assembly general debate on \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legal.un.org\/diplomaticconferences\/cah\/\"><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Conference on crimes against humanity<\/span><\/a><span class=\"fontstyle2\">\u201d, the undersigned organizations and individuals would like to reiterate their full support for the progress achieved at previous 6<\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">th <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Committee sessions and by the first Preparatory Committee in advancing the future Convention. <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">In a multilateral system where progress often stalls, this treaty represents a rare opening to reshape global justice and reassert the rule of law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">The undersigned are members of the newly created <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.cloud.microsoft\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=mpfM38pi1UaWGknlWB7wyLbrQ4R3Xx9JhOnWWyxppARURFEzWE5EVFBYVTdMQUFORDFKQTcyRzlMWSQlQCN0PWcu&amp;route=shorturl\"><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Coalition for a Crimes against Humanity Convention <\/span><\/a><span class=\"fontstyle2\">(C-CAH), a civil society group of academics, independent experts and NGOs committed to working together to achieve an effective, victim\/survivor-centric and non-discriminatory convention for the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">The undersigned welcome the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legal.un.org\/diplomaticconferences\/cah\/prepcom_1sess\/cso_decision.pdf\"><span class=\"fontstyle2\">decision <\/span><\/a><span class=\"fontstyle2\">of the first Preparatory Committee to extend participation in the future negotiating conference to engaged non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector not in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), taking into account the principles of transparency, equitable geographical representation and gender parity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">We urge States and the Secretariat to operationalize this decision in a way that ensures the ability of diverse civil society to participate in the ongoing work of the Preparatory Committee and in the future Conference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Going forward, it is crucial that civil society stakeholders and observers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Are afforded the opportunity to submit requests to participate in the Conference in a timely <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">manner, including in the second session of the Preparatory Committee and any other related <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">fora;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Are accorded full rights of participation, including to attend and effectively address all <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">formal meetings, and to receive and submit materials; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Are able, should they so choose, to participate in all relevant meetings in person, without <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">undue restrictions, including as to number and size of delegations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">The undersigned note with interest the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legal.un.org\/diplomaticconferences\/cah\/proposals.shtml\"><span class=\"fontstyle2\">proposals made by States <\/span><\/a><span class=\"fontstyle2\">for amendment of the Draft Articles. The proposals that are aimed at strengthening or expanding the protection of all persons from the scourge of crimes against humanity are welcomed and should be part of the future negotiations. States should use the time period before the conference to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Organize consultations on issues of substance as per <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.un.org\/A\/RES\/79\/122\"><span class=\"fontstyle2\">UNGA Resolution 79\/122<\/span><\/a><span class=\"fontstyle2\">, which <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">could be global, regional, national or thematic, and should <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">include civil society and relevant <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">experts<\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Consult broadly with victims and survivors on their priorities and how they wish to be <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">engaged in treaty-making, adoption and implementation processes, and facilitate their <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">engagement through adequate funding, assistance, accommodation, outreach and public <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">information activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Overall, we call upon all States to ensure:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">An inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory negotiation process that advances the <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">participation of diverse, cross-regional civil society, including victims and survivors of <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">crimes against humanity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">A gender-competent negotiation process and convention, that meaningfully recognizes <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">gender-based harms, incorporates gender expertise, and ensures gender parity across <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">delegations;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">An intersectional negotiation process and convention which are shaped by victims\u2019 <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">multidimensional experiences;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">That the negotiation process and the convention enhance, rather than undermine, <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">contemporary international legal standards, including those addressing human rights; and,<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle2\">If circumstances impede inclusive in-person participation in New York coming from all UN <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Member and Observer States, States should consider moving meetings to a venue outside <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">the United States of America.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">The undersigned organization and individuals stand ready to provide assistance in this endeavour and engage constructively with proposals genuinely aimed at enhancing the current Draft Articles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Endorsed By:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Organizations<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">1.Adifevea World<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">2. Africa Legal Aid (AFLA)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">3. AIDL International Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">4. Alliance Internationale pour la d\u00e9fense des Droits et des Libert\u00e9s (AIDL)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">5. Amnesty International<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">6. Asia Justice Coalition<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">7. Avaaz<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">8. Center for Ah Nyar Studies<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">9. Center for Human Rights Advocacy<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">10. Center for Justice and Accountability<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">11. Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">12. Center for Peace and Justice, BRAC University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">13. Center for Truth and Justice<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">14. Community Legal Education Center (CLEC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">15. DORNA<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">16. European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">17. Every Casualty Counts<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">18. Feminist Majority Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">19. FIBGAR \u2013 Baltasar Garz\u00f3n International Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">20. Fortify Rights<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">21. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">22. Global Justice Center<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">23. Human Rights Watch<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">24. INMAA for Development<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">25. International Commission of Jurists<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">26. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">27. International Human Rights Clinic, School of Law, Boston University<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">28. Jubilee Campaign<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">29. Lawyers for Human Rights<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">30. MADRE<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">31. Permanent Peace Movement<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">32. Prevention of Crimes against Humanity Project, Colombia Law School<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">33. Protections Lens<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">34. PSCORE<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">35. Route Justice<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">36. SAF-TESO<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">37. Save the Children International<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">38. Syrian Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">39. Syrian Network for Human Rights<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">40. The National Forum for Human Rights (NFHR)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">41. UpRights<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">42. US International Council on Disabilities<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">43. Validity Foundation<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Individuals<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">44. Abdelouahab Gain, Sahrawi NGO Alliance, Morocco<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">45. Abhilash Aggarwal, Christ University, India<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">46. Ahmed Suleiman, Ardo Jam &amp; Associates, Nigeria<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">47. Akila Radhakrishnan, Women&#8217;s Initiatives for Gender Justice, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">48. Alessandra De Tommaso, Middlesex University, United Kingdom<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">49. Alison Bisset, University of Reading, United Kingdom<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">50. Alyssa Yamamoto, End Gender Apartheid Campaign, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">51. Anna Whaley, Save the Children, United Kingdom<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">52. Armen Matabishi Rhugereza, Adifevea World, <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Democratic Republic of the Congo<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">53. Bhumika Nanda, School of Law, Bennett University, India<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">54. Bongwong Justin, Enough for All Organization, Cameroon<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">55. Craig Dermody, Australia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">56. David Donat Cattin, NYU Center for Global Affairs, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">57. David Eichert, University of Oxford, France<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">58. Delphine Valette, Spain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">59. Ezequiel Jimenez Martinez, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">60. Farouk Guernane, University of Algiers, Algeria<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">61. Federico Gaitan, Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Washington College of <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Law, Argentina<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">62. Fernanda Moura Queiroz Santos de Oliveira, Brazil<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">63. Gissou Nia, End Gender Apartheid Campaign, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">64. Hannah Garry, Gilbert Global Justice &amp; Human Rights Center, USC Gould School of Law, <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">65. Hans Sallata, The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence, Indonesia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">66. Hayley Evans, Germany<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">67. Indai Sajor, Women&#8217;s Tribunal Feminist Collective, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">68. Jocelyn Getgen, Cardozo School of Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">69. Julie Bardeche, REDRESS, The Netherlands<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">70. Lahbib Naaimi, Law for Palestine, Morocco<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">71. Leila Sadat, Washington University School of Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">72. Mahya Ostovar, University of Galway and Iranian Democratic Diaspora Network in Ireland, <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Ireland<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">73. Maria Beldi Alcantara, University of S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">74. Mark Simonoff, American Society of International Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">75. Marta Velez Rodriguez, Spain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">76. Mathias Holvoet, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">77. Michael Tiu Jr, University of the Philippines College of Law, Philippines<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">78. Mohamed Ahmed Zakaria Shehata, Al Azhar university, Egypt<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">79. Monica Castillejos-Arag\u00f3n, UC Berkeley, School of Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">80. Natalia Seco Garcia, Universidad Santiago de Compostela, Spain<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">81. Nazeela Elmi, End Gender Apartheid Campaign, Afghanistan<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">82. Nick Leddy, Legal Action Worldwide<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">83. Oluwatosin Adegun, Centre for Human Rights UP, Nigeria<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">84. Parisa Zangeneh, Ireland<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">85. Rachel Walters, Human Rights Defenders Network, Sierra Leone<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">86. Rafael Braga da Silva, Brazil<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">87. Rebecca Shoot, ImPact Coalition on Strengthening International Judicial Institutions, United <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">88. Sara Ciucci, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">89. Sarah Kasande, Uganda<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">90. Sarah Zarmsky, Queen\u2019s University Belfast, School of law, Northern Ireland<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">91. Susana SaCouto, War Crimes Research Office, American University Washington College of <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">92. Taylor Dalton, Santa Clara University School of Law, United States of America<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">93. Tom\u00e1s Kevin Manguel, Universidad Buenos Aires, Argentina<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">94. Vanesa Sulimani, Canada<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle2\">96. William Pons, Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Germany<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":103973,"template":"","categories":[381],"class_list":["post-103972","comunicado-de-prensa","type-comunicado-de-prensa","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2026-3"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comunicado-de-prensa\/103972","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comunicado-de-prensa"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comunicado-de-prensa"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103972"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cejil.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103972"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}