Holy See upholds need to punish crimes against humanity

By Sr. Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA

Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, delivered a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York on the topic of crimes against humanity.

Archbishop Caccia lamented the many crimes committed against humanity which continue to violate human dignity.

Such actions, he said, are not only proscribed by the existing customary law but also by international law.

However, “a universal, multilateral treaty that would codify existing customary law would certainly promote international cooperation for the prevention and punishment of these crimes,” said the Apostolic Nuncio.

Holy See condemns crimes against humanity

The Italian-born Archbishop stressed that the Holy See believes that defining crimes against humanity should be based on existing international law, as modifying their definition would not receive broad consent, thereby weakening the effectiveness of the system.

Affirming the stance of the Holy See, the Archbishop said the Holy See opposes any move to remove the definition of “gender” from Article 3 of the proposed new Convention.

He therefore told the UN that his delegation emphasized the importance of understanding human nature when addressing crimes disproportionately affecting women and girls.

“It is imperative,” said Archbishop Caccia, “to maintain an accurate view of human nature when addressing those crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls, such as rape, sexual slavery and prostitution.”

Prevent crimes and punish offenders

The Holy See’s representative at the UN also spoke on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.

He said efforts to punish crimes against humanity should be based on the principle of complementarity and must respect the sovereignty of other States.

The Nuncio remarked that the new convention should adhere to established precedents, enhancing the responsibility of States Parties to prosecute crimes within their borders, unite to extradite perpetrators and offer assistance to victims.

Archbishop Caccia welcomed Article 14 of the draft convention, which relates to the requirement for adequate national and international measures to improve judicial cooperation in preventing and punishing crimes against humanity.

Holy See declares support for non-refoulement

The Holy See’s representative to the UN also upheld the principle of non-refoulement.

“Certainly, no person should be returned to a place where he or she may be subjected to crimes against humanity,” he said. “Similarly, no person shall be extradited to a jurisdiction where he or she might be subject to torture or the death penalty.”