Delivered by: Aaesha Al Ali, Attache’
Madam Chair,
Crimes against humanity constitute a grave violation of the fundamental values and principles upon which international law is founded. Addressing these crimes requires sustained and concerted efforts by the international community as a whole to prevent their occurrence and ensure accountability for their commission.
In this regard, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes that the prevention of crimes against humanity must be at the cornerstone of the future convention, through the establishment of clear and effective legal obligations to refrain from committing such crimes, take all appropriate measures to prevent their occurrence, and ensure their investigation, as well as the accountability and punishment of those responsible. These efforts will contribute to combating impunity and strengthening the rule of law.
My country also underscores that these obligations must be upheld in all circumstances, as no exceptional circumstances, whether armed conflict, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked to justify the commission of crimes against humanity.
To translate these obligations into practical and effective measures, the convention should establish a clear and workable framework, encompassing appropriate legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures at the national level, alongside the strengthening of effective international cooperation.
Madam Chair,
In this regard, the United Arab Emirates underscores the importance of continuing discussions on the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity during the eighty-first session of the General Assembly, to build on the progress achieved and lay the groundwork for constructive negotiations.
My country continues to participate actively and contribute constructively to this process.
My delegation also welcomes the progress achieved during the first session of the Preparatory Committee, held in January of this year, and refers to the proposals submitted by the UAE to amend the draft articles. We express our appreciation to the International Law Commission for its efforts in preparing these draft articles, which, together with the amendment proposals submitted by Governments, constitute the compiled text that will serve as the basis for negotiations.
In this regard, the United Arab Emirates looks forward to the second session of the Preparatory Committee, as an important opportunity to advance discussions and facilitate constructive, inclusive and consensus-oriented negotiations.
Madam Chair,
In preparing for the next stages, the UAE believes that the objective is not merely to finalize the text of a convention, but to establish an effective legal framework that enjoys broad acceptance and facilitates accession by the greatest possible number of States, thereby strengthening its universal character. The success of this process is measured by the breadth of accession to the convention and the effectiveness of the implementation of its obligations, and the resulting tangible impact on the prevention and punishment of these crimes.
To this end, my country underscores the importance of constructive dialogue and a consensus-based approach that takes into account the diversity of national legal systems and perspectives among States. Moving forward without working to address substantive concerns and build consensus may limit the prospects for broad accession to the convention and its effectiveness. The convention should serve as a foundation for common action, bringing States together around clear commitments that can be implemented.
In this context, the UAE attaches particular importance to precision in legal drafting and clarity of obligations, to enable States to determine their scope and implement them effectively, while limiting differences in interpretation.
These considerations have guided my country in the work of the Preparatory Committee and in its proposals on the draft articles.
Madam Chair,
Crimes against humanity constitute a grave violation of the fundamental values and principles upon which international law is founded. Addressing these crimes requires sustained and concerted efforts by the international community as a whole to prevent their occurrence and ensure accountability for their commission.
In this regard, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes that the prevention of crimes against humanity must be at the cornerstone of the future convention, through the establishment of clear and effective legal obligations to refrain from committing such crimes, take all appropriate measures to prevent their occurrence, and ensure their investigation, as well as the accountability and punishment of those responsible. These efforts will contribute to combating impunity and strengthening the rule of law.
My country also underscores that these obligations must be upheld in all circumstances, as no exceptional circumstances, whether armed conflict, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked to justify the commission of crimes against humanity.
To translate these obligations into practical and effective measures, the convention should establish a clear and workable framework, encompassing appropriate legislative, administrative, judicial and other measures at the national level, alongside the strengthening of effective international cooperation.
Madam Chair,
The UAE also underscores the importance of the future convention appropriately addressing the rights and interests of victims. In this regard, my country supports ensuring access to competent national authorities for persons alleging that they are victims of crimes against humanity, as well as appropriate avenues for reparation. It also considers it necessary for the relevant provisions to be sufficiently clear in legal terms concerning their scope and mechanisms for implementation, taking into account differences among national legal systems.
My country also underscores the importance of ensuring that the mechanisms provided for in the future convention facilitate the peaceful settlement of disputes concerning its interpretation or application, with due regard for the principle of State consent.
Finally, Madam Chair,
In conclusion, the UAE calls on all delegations to address outstanding issues with flexibility and a spirit of constructive cooperation, with a view to achieving a convention that brings States together around shared commitments and makes a tangible impact on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.
Thank you, Madam Chair.