Global push for new law could change how world handles worst human crimes
Countries worldwide join forces to create first-ever treaty for crimes against humanity Proposed law aims to fix gaps in global justice system and make it easier to catch criminals
The world faces wide-spread crimes that shock our minds: from Xi Jinpingʼs actions against Uyghurs to Putinʼs moves in Ukraine (which happened about 2 yrs ago). Even non-state groups like ISIS did terrible things to Yazidis back in 14-17
Recent events between Netanyahuʼs government and Palestinians show how the system dont work right: ICC looks into both sides actions but cant stop whats happening
The biggest issue is that theres no single law for these crimes - unlike genocide or war-crimes. These acts include mass-killings torture and other stuff that makes people shake their heads in disbelief; we see this happening in many places from Afghanistan to Venezuela.
A new agreement could change everything: it would make countries work together to catch bad guys and stop crimes. This means:
- Better info sharing between states
- More ways to catch criminals
- Stronger laws in each country
- New rules about gender-based crimes
About 90 countries (including US) said yes to talks last fall; but some like Xiʼs China and Putinʼs Russia try to slow things down. They say: “we need more time to think“ which is just their way to block progress
The new rules would work with last years Ljubljana-The Hague deal - that ones already got 36 countries on board. Together these agreements could make a real difference in how we deal with the worst crimes; letting local courts do more work instead of waiting for ICC to step in
This new deal isnt perfect but it gives more tools to people who fight for justice: activists lawyers and courts could use it to catch criminals no matter where they hide or who they are
