Statement on behalf of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia by Elvira Cupika-Mavrina, Legal advisor of Latvia to the United Nations at the Resumed Sixth Committee Session "Crimes against humanity"
New York, 1 April 2023
Mr. Chair,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the three Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia.
The Baltic States align with the statement made by the European Union and its Member States.
Just like the majority of the United Nations member states, we support the idea of a convention on Crimes Against Humanity that would be based on the Draft articles we are discussing today. In our view, ILC has drafted these articles carefully, but most importantly, in a way that would not cause fragmentation of international law. These Draft articles would not only fill the existing legal gap, but would also serve as a missing tool to combat impunity.
Firstly, I would like to turn to the preamble.
We find that the preamble adequately reflects the context and objectives of the draft articles and emphasizes the gravity and heinousness of such crimes. Consequently, it would benefit the overall understanding of the context and the purpose when applying and interpreting a future convention.
Secondly and lastly, on Article 1:
We welcome the draft Article 1 and its dual scope as it is directed at the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity. Filling this existing legal gap in international treaty framework will help ensure that anyone who commits any of the core international crimes will not escape justice and will be held accountable.
I thank you.