The advancement of new major multilateral instruments aimed at the investigation and prosecution of atrocity crimes represents a pivotal moment for the international criminal justice community.  But to what extent are victims central to these negotiations? Are victims' rights and needs being adequately considered and reflected? Will these new treaties result in new or improved outcomes for victims?  

In May 2023, the Ljubljana– The Hague convention on international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes was adopted by consensus in Slovenia – a key advancement for closing gaps relating to international cooperation around mutual legal assistance and extradition. Separately, the draft convention on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity is finally the subject of substantive discussion and consideration, offering enormous potential to rectify a long-standing gap in the codification of and accountability for crimes against humanity. 

In examining these instruments, this panel looks at the inclusivity of the processes of treaty development and advancement, as well as the substantive provisions relating to victims’ roles, rights, and ability to shape accountability efforts going forward.