18 Nov 2021
1 I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the Bureau, the draft resolution contained in document A/C.6/76/L.17, entitled “Crimes against humanity”. My colleagues Alis Lungu of Romania and Alexandra Hutchison of Australia, and I, had the honour of coordinating the informal consultations on this draft resolution.
2 The draft resolution comprises the text of General Assembly resolution 75/136 adopted on 15 December 2020 with technical updates. The draft resolution, amongst other things, takes note once again of the International Law Commission’s draft articles on prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity and will include the topic of crimes against humanity in the provisional agenda of the 77th session of the General Assembly, to continue the examination of the Commission’s recommendation in paragraph 42 of its report on the work of its 71st session.
Mdm Chair,
3 The coordinators convened seven rounds of informal consultations on the draft resolution, as well as an informal meeting for an initial exchange of views on the draft resolution prior to the commencement of this Committee’s session. The focus of the discussions at these meetings was on the way forward on the draft articles and the Commission’s recommendation. Delegations came close to agreeing on new language. While consensus ultimately could not be achieved during the available time, the discussions were both extensive and rich, and will provide a platform for the discussions that will take place at the next session. The coordinators wish to share three further observations.
(a) First, the views expressed during the negotiations on the draft resolution demonstrated that there continues to be broad interest amongst the membership for an in-depth exchange on the substance of the draft articles.
(b) Second, the discussions on the draft resolution were facilitated by increased bilateral engagement between various interested delegations on the draft articles and the Commission’s recommendation.
(c) Third, flexibility, constructiveness and a willingness to engage were shown by many delegations during the negotiations on the draft resolution.
Mdm Chair,
4 The coordinators wish to thank delegations for their engagement on the draft resolution. We also wish to express our hope that delegations will build on the efforts of this session, with a view to achieving common ground at the next session.
5 Finally, the coordinators also wish to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to the Sixth Committee Secretariat for their support, in particular, Arnold Pronto, Carla Hoe and Douglas Pivnichny.
Mdm Chair,
6 This concludes my introduction of draft resolution A/C.6/76/L.17. The coordinators recommend that the Sixth Committee adopt this draft resolution without a vote.
7 Thank you.
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