**Historic U.N. Move Towards Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity**

In a decisive move late Friday, a pivotal U.N. General Assembly committee endorsed a resolution to initiate negotiations on the world’s first-ever treaty aimed at preventing and punishing crimes against humanity. This significant decision came after intense discussions, with Russia ultimately retracting amendments that could have impeded progress. The resolution was embraced by consensus in the assembly's legal committee, comprising all 193 U.N. member nations, following arduous negotiations that continued throughout the day.

The resolution's approval was met with exuberant applause, signaling a collective step forward. Richard Dicker, Human Rights Watch's senior legal adviser, lauded the development as an "historic achievement" that underscores the global commitment to addressing impunity for atrocities committed in various regions including Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, southern Israel, Gaza, and Myanmar.

The resolution outlines a meticulous timeline, calling for preparatory sessions in 2026 and 2027, and three-week negotiation periods scheduled for 2028 and 2029, aimed at finalizing the treaty. This treaty would specifically address crimes against humanity—crimes which the International Criminal Court (ICC) defines as part of large-scale civilian attacks, encompassing acts such as murder, rape, torture, and enforced disappearances.

Despite Russia's initial uncertainty due to the proposed amendments, deputy U.N. ambassador Maria Zabolotskaya expressed a willingness to engage in the development of the convention. Although Russia withdrew its amendments “in a spirit of compromise,” Zabolotskaya noted that Russia dissociated itself from the consensus.

Currently, the ICC, which has jurisdiction over 124 countries, prosecutes major war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. However, nearly 70 countries remain outside its jurisdiction. While global treaties exist for war crimes, genocide, and torture, no specific treaty addresses crimes against humanity. The proposed treaty, supported by nations including Mexico and Gambia along with 96 other countries, aims to bridge this gap.

Experts and advocates hailed the resolution as a pivotal breakthrough. Kelly Adams from the Global Justice Center emphasized the necessity of a robust and survivor-focused treaty, amidst the increasing prevalence of crimes against humanity worldwide. Despite the extended timeline to 2029, Amnesty International's Secretary General Agnes Callamard emphasized the importance of delivering a viable and effective convention.

Following the resolution's passage, Amadou Jaiteh of Gambia underscored the profound impact of this initiative, envisioning a future where the voices of victims resonate louder than those of their perpetrators and where crimes against humanity are eradicated.