Joint Nordic statement delivered by Ms. Kristine Erlandsson,
Legal Adviser, Permanent Mission of Sweden 
Sixth Committee - Agenda item 81:
Crimes Against Humanity
13 October, 2025

Madame/Mr Chair,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries: Estonia, Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and my own country, Sweden.

The decision taken by this Committee last year to move forward with negotiations on a
convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity was a long-awaited
and important step. It marks a milestone in the collective efforts of the international
community to close a gap in international treaty law.

A future dedicated convention would not only reinforce accountability at the international
level, but also benefit national legislation and criminal jurisdiction, promote inter-state
cooperation, and reinforce our shared ability to prevent and punish crimes against humanity.

These crimes remain among the most serious of international concern. Despite their clear
prohibition under international law, civilian populations continue to suffer, while perpetrators
often enjoy impunity. We must not allow this to continue. We must honor the memory of
those who lost their lives and heed the call of survivors by ensuring accountability for the
unthinkable violations of their human rights that crimes against humanity entail.

The Nordic and Baltic countries remain convinced that the draft articles adopted by the
International Law Commission provide a solid basis for the convention.

We appreciate the substantive exchanges held in the Sixth Committee, which helped pave the
way for the decision to initiate negotiations. These discussions showed that states are ready to
engage constructively and revealed convergence of views on key aspects of the draft articles,
including the definition of crimes against humanity and provisions on international
cooperation.

The Nordic and Baltic countries also welcome the growing recognition of the importance of
addressing sexual and gender-based crimes within the framework of a future convention. We
stand ready to work with others to ensure that the treaty provides a strong basis for the
prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity, reflects developments in
international law and responds to the stark realities of today.

Looking ahead, the Nordic and Baltic countries look forward to the Conference of
Plenipotentiaries on Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity in 2028 and
2029, and the preparatory committee meetings in 2026 and 2027. These meetings will be
crucial for laying the groundwork for a successful outcome, and we must make the most of
these opportunities through inclusive, transparent and constructive engagement. In this spirit,
we strongly support the broadest possible meaningful participation of civil society in these
meetings.

Madame/Mr Chair,

Our task is clear – to prevent further crimes and ensure that never again will crimes against
humanity go unanswered. The Nordic and Baltic countries are ready to work with all
delegations to achieve a strong and universal convention that future generations can rely on.

I thank you.