Warsaw as centre of global debate on Convention on Crimes against Humanity
21.04.2026
The Pilecki Institute hosted the conference "The Roots of Crimes against Humanity: Bridging the Normative Gap” on the need to adopt a coherent international convention on crimes against humanity. In his opening address, Undersecretary of State Wojciech Zajączkowski underlined that the absence of a uniform, binding convention regulating this matter is a major lacuna in the international law. He noted that modern conflicts, including the ones in Ukraine and the Middle East, show the tangible consequences of a lack of a coherent legal framework.
The deputy minister noted that Poland regards the draft convention prepared by the International Law Commission as a sound basis for further negotiations. He added that one of Poland’s priorities will be to enhance the protection of children as victims and witnesses of crime. The new convention should become a foundation for effective prevention and criminal liability mechanisms.
Held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the conference was organised at a pivotal moment, just before the deadline for the UN member states to submit their comments on the draft convention. The event gathered prominent lawyers, historians, and representatives of the academia, placing Warsaw at the centre of global debate on the new treaty.
One of its highlights was a speech by Professor Aleksandra Mężykowska, an expert on human rights and a candidate to the International Law Commission. In her analysis, among other issues, she addressed reparations for the victims of mass international law violations.
The attendees also reflected on the historical roots of the notion of “crime against humanity” and the contemporary difficulties of incorporating them in the law. Thanks to the participation of judges from international courts and representatives of the academia, this conference offers a significant contribution to the process of drafting the first such comprehensive UN legal instrument in this field.
Photo: Marcin Maniewski/MFA