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, 2 April 2024
Madam 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.
Firstly, turning to Article 6:
It is a common duty of the international community to ensure that crimes against humanity do not go unpunished, hence this draft article is crucial in case of a possible future convention. Further, States should enshrine draft Article 6 in their national legislation, in principle the Baltic States have already implemented principles of draft Article 6 in each of our national criminal codes.
Secondly, on Article 7:
The Baltic States consider that all States have a role to play in combatting such grave crimes by establishing national jurisdictions over crimes against humanity to fight against impunity. Further, like many other draft articles, we commend that this is yet another article that can be found in other international conventions and treaties addressing both international and other crimes.
Thirdly, on Article 8:
We support the inclusion of a provision requiring States to investigate crimes against humanity. Investigation that is done in good faith and in accordance with criminal procedure law is a crucial aspect in ensuring that any crime, including crimes against humanity, is properly punished.
Lastly, on Article 10
We welcome the inclusion of this principle in the draft articles. Prohibition of crimes against humanity is of erga omnes character, therefore emphasizing the principle “either extradite or prosecute” would clearly prove the importance of fighting impunity for the most serious crimes of the international concern.
I thank you!