Cyprus has called for the adoption of a legally binding international convention on crimes against humanity, arguing that the absence of such a treaty remains a significant weakness in the international legal framework.
The appeal was made by Maria Michael, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during an intervention before the Sixth Committee of the 81st UN General Assembly.
Cyprus highlights legal gap
Michael said that while genocide and war crimes are covered by widely ratified international conventions, crimes against humanity still lack a dedicated global treaty.
She noted that such crimes can be committed both during armed conflicts and in peacetime, making the absence of a specific convention a serious gap in international law.
Support for UN treaty process
Cyprus aligned itself with the position of the European Union and its member states, welcoming progress following the UN General Assembly's decision to convene a Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the issue.
The ambassador also referred to Cyprus' participation in the first session of the Preparatory Committee, held in January.
Prevention, accountability and cooperation
According to Michael, a future convention would:
- Strengthen the prevention of crimes against humanity.
- Improve the punishment of perpetrators.
- Enhance international cooperation between states.
- Promote the harmonisation of national legislation.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms.
She described the International Law Commission's 2019 draft articles as a solid and coherent basis for upcoming negotiations.
Protecting victims and children
Michael stressed that prevention must remain at the centre of international efforts, describing it as essential to safeguarding human dignity.
She also said any future treaty should preserve the integrity of the Rome Statute framework of the International Criminal Court.
Cyprus has contributed proposals concerning:
- The protection of victims and their rights.
- Safeguards for children.
- Improvements to the draft articles under discussion.
Looking ahead to 2027 and 2028
The ambassador reaffirmed Cyprus' readiness to participate constructively in the second session of the Preparatory Committee in April 2027.
She also voiced support for the timely completion of procedural arrangements ahead of the first session of the diplomatic conference scheduled for 2028.
Source: CNA
