Nuremberg Symposium, Advancing a Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity

Eighty years after the Nuremberg Trials laid the foundation for modern international criminal law, there is still no global treaty solely dedicated to the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity. That may soon change. In November 2024, the United Nations Sixth Committee adopted a resolution advancing negotiations on a draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty.

This panel will trace the trajectory from the 1945 Nuremberg Charter to today’s treaty initiative. Panelists will explore how the definition of crimes against humanity has evolved to address contemporary challenges, and why a dedicated treaty is urgently needed. Discussion will highlight how such a treaty could strengthen state obligations to prevent and prosecute crimes, enhance protections for victims, and close critical accountability gaps.

At a moment when the world faces both resurgent mass atrocities and shrinking space for justice, this program examines how a new treaty can realize the principles first articulated at Nuremberg—justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

Speakers
– Leila Sadat – Director, The Crimes Against Humanity Initiative; James Carr Professor of International Criminal Law, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law; Special Adviser on Crimes Against Humanity to the ICC Prosecutor
– Sean Murphy – Former Member, UN International Law Commission (Special Rapporteur for Crimes Against Humanity); Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law, George Washington University Law School

About the American Society of International Law (ASIL)
Founded in 1906, the American Society of International Law is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational membership organization. Its mission is to foster the study of international law and promote international relations grounded in law and justice. Through events, publications, research, and education, ASIL advances international law scholarship for professionals, policymakers, and the public.