Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

Crimes against humanity, which include extermination, enslavement, rape, forced pregnancy, persecution, enforced disappearance, apartheid, and other serious offenses, occur when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. They are among the gravest offenses under international law. An effective and victim-centered treaty could increase protections for civilians at risk of these egregious acts and enable greater cooperation among states to prevent and punish such crimes. But no such convention currently exists. Human Rights Watch documents crimes against humanity and is committed to pressing governments to support an effective crimes against humanity treaty that fills the gap in international law.