Press Releases

Resolution Sets Time-Bound Process for Adopting World’s First Stand-alone Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity The United Nations Sixth Committee today adopted by consensus a resolution to advance a draft treaty on crimes against humanity to negotiations. Once adopted by the General Assembly next month, states will negotiate the first stand-alone treaty that explicitly addresses state responsibility to prevent and punish crimes against humanity. Today’s resolution calls for a concrete and time-bound process consisting of preparatory sessions in 2026 and 2027, and three-week negotiations in 2028 and 2029, where a treaty will be finalized. “Today’s resolution is a historic breakthrough toward a crimes against humanity treaty,” said Kelly Adams, legal advisor at the Global Justice Center. “Despite the proliferation of crimes against humanity around the world, negotiations on this treaty have been delayed time and again. But today’s decision paves the way for a treaty, which will offer crucial tools to prevent and punish these most extreme rights violations.” The current draft treaty was developed over six years by the International Law Commission, a UN expert body charged with developing and codifying international law. For more information on the draft treaty, visit cahtreatynow.org. Although crimes against humanity are defined under various treaties, including the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court, there is currently no treaty which expressly addresses states’ responsibilities to prevent or punish these crimes. This gap distinguishes crimes against humanity from war crimes and genocide, each of which has its own dedicated treaty (the Geneva Conventions and the Genocide Convention, respectively). Negotiations for a new treaty present a unique opportunity to better advance justice for gender-based crimes, among other issues. In October 2023, a collection of human rights organizations and international law experts published a letter and several briefs that proposed changes to the draft treaty that focused on incorporating crimes like forced marriage, reproductive violence, and gender apartheid. A growing number of UN member states have expressed support for the inclusion of these crimes in a future treaty. “At present, treaty provisions have yet to catch up to the lived experiences of victims of sexual and gender-based crimes and judicial findings that acknowledge this fuller scope of harms,” said Adams. “A strong, progressive, and survivor-centric treaty will ensure international and domestic systems are better equipped to prevent, punish, and ensure redress for systematic or widespread attacks on civilians involving sexual and gender-based violence.” The General Assembly is expected to make a decision on the draft resolution in early December 2024.

Donald Trump was elected president of the United States for a second term on Tuesday. Human rights experts have issued grave warnings about the potential for extreme rights abuses under his new administration. The Global Justice Center (GJC) mounted several challenges to President Trump during his first term. It sued the Trump administration in 2020 over its unlawful creation of a commission tasked with redefining human rights to reflect a narrow, singular religious tradition that excluded marginalized communities. GJC also opposed the Trump administration’s expansion of restrictions on US funding of reproductive healthcare abroad, as well as his administration's sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Elise Keppler, executive director of the Global Justice Center, issued the following statement: “The Global Justice Center joins its friends, partners, and supporters today in recognizing the severe threat a second Trump administration poses to human rights everywhere. Our movement’s vision for a gender-equal world free from violence is in direct opposition to President-elect Trump’s plans for renewed attacks on abortion care, women’s rights, LGBTQ equality, and essential international institutions. There is no doubt that today’s election makes it much harder to build the world we want. “Despite these immense challenges, we must also acknowledge yesterday’s historic victories. At a time when the country is gripped by a human rights crisis around abortion access and non-discriminatory access to healthcare broadly, several US states passed ballot initiatives that either advanced abortion rights or solidified existing protections for abortion care. In New York, for example, Proposition 1 enshrined both gender equality and abortion rights. This progress should be applauded and nurtured. “We are in for the fight of our lives. Still, we know that the human rights and feminist movements were born from struggle. Today, we double down on our commitment to global gender equality, no matter what forces stand in our way.”

Statement Circulated Ahead of UN Session on the Draft Treaty Human rights organizations based in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe — as well as leading international law and human rights experts — today urged UN member states to advance the draft text for a crimes against humanity treaty to negotiations. This joint statement is being circulated among government representatives as they meet today to begin a UN session that could advance the draft treaty. Today’s statement recognizes that, despite the global spread of atrocities like murder, enslavement, and deportation, there has yet to be a treaty regulating the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity. Such a treaty would “close a crucial gap” in the current international framework on mass atrocities. Signers of the statement also support an inclusive treaty-making process and will advocate for a final treaty that is gender-competent, survivor-centric, and deploys an intersectional lens. “Experts and activists around the world are sending a clear message to their governments ahead of this historic UN session: advance to negotiations for a crimes against humanity treaty,” said Kelly Adams, legal advisor at the Global Justice Center. “Victims of crimes against humanity need this accountability tool, and governments have an opportunity to stand with them by advancing to negotiations.” Today’s joint statement was initially released in March of this year. Since then, hundreds of additional organizations and human rights experts have signed on and urged their governments to take a position on the draft treaty. A petition circulated by Avaaz that urges support for treaty negotiations also has received more than 500,000 signatures from people around the world. Additional statements of support, as well as key information on the draft treaty, can be found at cahtreatynow.org. UN Sixth Committee proceedings on the draft treaty can be viewed on UN Web TV.

Barriers, Opportunities to Investigating Reproductive Harms Revealed SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 — A new report published today by UN Women and the Global Justice Center (GJC) uncovers barriers and opportunities to the documentation of reproductive violence faced by UN-mandated mechanisms charged with investigating human rights violations and international crimes. The report, based on interviews conducted with current and former gender advisors to UN investigative mechanisms, also offers detailed legal guidance to support future investigations. Reproductive violence is a distinct form of sexual and gender-based violence targeting reproductive autonomy, a right protected under international law. Examples of reproductive violence include forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, forced abortion, and restricting access to reproductive care.  This form of violence often has been overlooked in UN investigations, despite its profound impacts. GJC’s research reveals that stigmatization of reproductive issues, as well as structural and analytical barriers in investigations, have hindered documentation. The report also details that this oversight can foster a lack of accountability for perpetrators, gaps in services and reparations for victims, and an incomplete historical record. “From Ethiopia to Myanmar, sexual and gender-based violence continues around the world. If we want to halt these atrocities and bring justice for victims, international investigations must be equipped to document them fully,” said Tess Graham, report co-author and legal advisor at the Global Justice Center. “This is especially true for under-reported forms of gender-based violence like reproductive violence. By harnessing positive examples of documentation, and learning from shortcomings, we can ensure UN investigations have the tools they need to advance accountability and appropriate support for victims.” The report provides an analysis of international law on reproductive violence and details several “facilitating factors” that can foster its effective documentation. The report also provides examples of successful documentation of reproductive violence and concludes that it is “far from impossible” despite the challenges.

Reposted from the website of Congresswoman Nikema Williams WASHINGTON DC – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced a Congressional Resolution affirming reproductive freedom as a human right. According to the UN Committee on Human Rights, parties to the the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including the United States, are obliged to protect reproductive freedom. Following the Dobbs decision, many states are not upholding their obligations under the ICCPR and other human rights treaties. The resolution is co-led by Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35), Congresswoman Jennifer McCllelan (VA-04) and Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08). The House resolution comes in the wake of reporting on the tragic deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, women who died because they could not access legal abortions and timely medical care in Georgia. Experts link their deaths directly to the state’s restrictive abortion ban, a consequence of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:  “We are seeing the deadly result of abortion bans in Georgia and around the country. Just last week, ProPublica reported on the deaths of two Georgia women, Candi Miller and Amber Thurman, who died because they could not receive the abortion care they desperately needed. That is why this resolution is important: it affirms that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right according to the United States’ own law and that state abortion bans are violating federal law and endangering the lives of women.” As a result of the Dobbs decision and the overturning of the federal right to abortion, in the U.S. at least 26 states—representing about half of the U.S. population—abortion is either banned completely, heavily restricted to the earliest days of pregnancy, or under legal threat. And 15 states have criminal penalties for patients and providers. Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) said: “Too many women have already died from Donald Trump’s abortion bans, and even one more is too many. Abortions are healthcare, and reproductive justice is a human right. I will continue to stand up for women’s rights until they are restored nationwide.” Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) said:  “Access to safe, legal abortion is healthcare. It’s as fundamental as any other medical service. I’m proud to support this resolution because it sends a message that no matter where you live in this country, your rights to make decisions about your body and your health should not be up for debate. That’s a matter for you, your doctor, and your family. Not the government.” Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) said:  “Texas is ground zero in the fight for abortion rights, with many of my constituents now traveling hundreds of miles to get the health care they need. Let me be clear: Reproductive rights are human rights. We won’t stop fighting until abortion rights are restored and protected across the U.S.”  Congresswoman Jennifer McCllelan (VA-04) said:  “After Trump-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, conservative legislatures and judges across the nation have unleashed extreme abortion bans and restrictions to comprehensive reproductive health care. Reproductive health care is a public health, social justice, economic, civil rights, and human rights issue. I thank Congresswoman Williams for her leadership on this resolution, as we affirm that reproductive rights are part of our obligations under international human rights treaties.” This legislation is endorsed by over 130 leading reproductive rights organizations, including: Ipas Partners for Reproductive Justice, Pregnancy Justice, If/When/How, Global Justice Center and National Council of Jewish Women.  Bethany Van Kampen Saravia, Senior Legal and Policy Advisor, Ipas US said: “Let’s be perfectly clear—we are in a public health crisis. These continuous rollbacks on reproductive freedoms violate international human rights law. There is no question about it, abortion is healthcare and a human right. Instead of undermining human rights with restrictions that criminalize young people, mothers, and often those most struggling to access care and make ends meet—sometimes costing them their health, wellbeing and even their lives—the US should be doing all it can to right the course, to increase access to life-saving health care and uphold its commitments to the human rights treaties it is party to.  These local resolutions, proclamations and ordinances are the first step in implementing the recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Committee to take swift actions to protect access to critical reproductive healthcare including abortion. We urge other state and local governments to join in the fight to protect our reproductive freedom. They too can play an important role in ensuring the US upholds its human rights obligations. Lourdes Rivera, President, Pregnancy Justice said:  “There is a direct line between abortion bans and the dehumanization of all people who can become pregnant. Restricting necessary and life-saving abortion care creates a situation where all pregnancy outcomes are at risk of state surveillance and control, from birth to abortion. Pregnant people deserve equitable treatment — no person should fear punishment or death because they become pregnant. Thank you, Representative Nikema Williams, and everyone championing reproductive freedom by introducing this resolution.” Jamie M. Gher, Senior Legal Advisor, Global Justice Center said: “While state governments in the United States were relentlessly chipping away at abortion access, international human rights bodies and experts were making it clear that abortion is a key component of healthcare and access must be guaranteed as a fundamental human right. Today’s historic resolution recognizes this reality and charts a path forward for the United States to live up to its human rights commitments to ensure nondiscriminatory access to reproductive healthcare.” Farah Diaz-Tello, Senior Counsel and Legal Director, If/When/How said:  “No one should have to weigh their fear of criminalization against their health and life, but the overturning of Roe v. Wade has made this a widespread reality for people living in states where abortion is now banned. As we know from the calls we get on the Repro Legal Helpline, the bail we pay through the Repro Legal Defense Fund, and the cases we litigate–people are being punished, criminalized, and separated from their families for seeking abortion or helping their loved ones access care. This horrifying reality created by anti-abortion judges, politicians, and advocates is costing people their lives, safety, and freedom. State and local governments must uphold our human rights and take action to ensure everyone can get the abortion they need, in their community, without barriers.” Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women said:  “This resolution confirms what the Jewish community has long upheld: reproductive rights are human rights. Amid relentless attacks on these rights at virtually every level of government, affirming women’s access to the high-quality healthcare we deserve has never been more urgent. National Council of Jewish Women deeply thanks Rep. Nikema Williams for leading this crucial resolution to recognize abortion as a human right. Women’s rights are fundamental rights, and we will remain unwavering in our fight for bodily autonomy until the law reflects this undeniable truth.”

Prosecutors in Argentina are seeking new arrest warrants as part of the universal jurisdiction case considering genocide of the Rohingya. The warrant applications include senior military and civilian leaders. Michelle Onello, senior legal advisor for the Global Justice Center, issued the following statement: "The Argentine prosecutor’s petition for twenty-five warrants for atrocities committed in Myanmar is an encouraging step to finally hold the military accountable for the brutal crimes perpetrated against the Rohingya. As the military junta steps up its attacks, especially in Rakhine state, greater international efforts should be made to support the Myanmar people’s fight for democracy and eliminate the impunity that the military has long-enjoyed for its heinous human rights abuses."

The United States Supreme Court today reinstated a lower court order allowing Idaho healthcare providers to provide emergency abortions to protect the health of pregnant people. In its 6-3 opinion, the court declared the case was “improvidently granted,” meaning it did not rule on the central question in the case. The court instead sent the case back to a lower court for adjudication — and a potential return to the Supreme Court. The court was previously set to decide whether a federal law (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) protecting medical care in emergency situations supersedes the state of Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, which prohibited abortions unless a physician could prove the abortion was necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant person.   An amicus brief in the case submitted by the Global Justice Center, as part of a coalition of human rights organizations, argued that Idaho’s abortion law violates the human rights of pregnant people in Idaho, which are protected by human rights treaties that the US has ratified. Jaime Gher, senior legal advisor at the Global Justice Center, issued the following statement: “Today’s decision offers temporary relief for pregnant people living under Idaho’s extreme abortion ban, as many facing medical emergencies may now be able to receive the abortion care they need. However, we should be clear that this ruling does not confirm that EMTALA guarantees pregnant persons’ access to emergency care. Rather, it leaves the question open, forcing the people of Idaho to continue living with their human right to reproductive healthcare under constant threat. “Abortion is a human right. Time and time again, international human rights bodies have made it clear that all abortion bans are incompatible with the human rights to health, life, freedom from torture, non-discrimination, and more. Today’s decision does not alter this fundamental fact. “We must continue to demand that abortion laws across the United States meet international human rights standards. It’s only through robust, equal, and effective access to abortion that we can truly safeguard our health and lives.”

The Global Justice Center, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Ipas — in partnership with Foley Hoag LLP — today filed an amicus brief in Idaho vs. United States, the United States Supreme Court case considering the enforcement of Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. The brief argues that Idaho’s abortion law violates the human rights of pregnant Idahoans. Citing human rights treaties that the US has ratified, including those covering civil and political rights, freedom from torture, and racial discrimination, it describes how Idaho's abortion law violates the United States' legal obligations to provide safe and legal abortion services. In particular, the brief cites human rights obligations during emergencies governed by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. “Nothing less than the fundamental human rights of the people of Idaho are at stake in this case,” said Grant Shubin, Senior Legal Advisor at the Global Justice Center. “This abortion ban is a blatant violation of the rights to life, health, non-discrimination, freedom from torture, and privacy. And the violations are far from theoretical — day after day, pregnant people in Idaho are facing life-threatening cruelties while their doctors operate under fear of prosecution.” The brief also argues that Idaho’s abortion law will endanger the lives, health, and well-being of pregnant Idahoans — especially those from marginalized communities. It cites evidence from other US states and countries with similar abortion restrictions showing that such laws exacerbate preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, despite any narrow exception for life-saving care.  Risks to the health of pregnant people in Idaho in emergency situations have already been documented. In one case, a physician described having to send a pregnant patient home while experiencing a miscarriage because, without absolute certainty regarding the pregnancy outcome, the physician feared that Idaho’s abortion law prevented them from providing immediate care to manage the miscarriage in the emergency department. The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in Idaho vs. United States next month.

More than 300 civil society groups and individuals today issued a joint statement urging United Nations member states to declare support for moving the Draft Articles on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity into treaty negotiations. Human rights organizations based in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Europe — as well as leading international law and human rights experts — are among the signatories. Beginning Monday, April 1, the UN’s Sixth Committee will resume its session to address crimes against humanity, where member states will have the opportunity to demonstrate support for treaty negotiations. Although crimes against humanity are among the most serious crimes in international law, there has yet to be a treaty regulating their prevention and punishment. The Draft Articles are the result of six years of work in the International Law Commission, an independent body of experts established by the UN General Assembly that is responsible for helping develop and codify international law. Civil society organizations and international law experts believe that the current draft is a strong starting point for negotiations. They have also recommended several areas where the Draft Articles should be improved. Ahead of a Sixth Committee debate on the treaty in October 2023, the Global Justice Center issued a series of legal briefs with recommendations to ensure the treaty is gender-competent and survivor-centric. A full list of signatories can be found here. Elise Keppler, Executive Director at the Global Justice Center, issued the following statement: “Activists from every corner of the globe have united to deliver the message that the world needs a treaty on crimes against humanity. Governments should step up and signal that they support moving to treaty negotiations. From Afghanistan to Myanmar, crimes against humanity are rampant, and more tools to combat these crimes are needed. A strong, gender-competent, and survivor-centric treaty is not only possible — it is necessary.”