๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐: The Gambia has been elected by consensus as Vice Chair on the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against humanity during the Plenary Session held on 27th January 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Following The Gambiaโs endorsement by the African Group and with the strategic vision and leadership of H.E Ambassador Lamin Dibba, Ms. Marang Sanyang, Counsellor and Legal Advisor, has been unanimously elected as Vice Chair on the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against humanity.
The prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity stands at the core of the international communityโs commitment to combat impunities and ensure greater legal certainty for the gravest crimes of immense concern under international law.
The formal processes of this Preparatory Committee are aimed at addressing a long-standing gap in the international legal framework. While genocide and war crimes are governed by dedicated treaty regimes, crimes against humanity despite their central place in international criminal law remain without a universal convention addressing prevention, punishment, and inter-State cooperation.
Cognizant of the above, the Preparatory Committee is mandated to facilitate consultations, further engage with the International Law Commissionโs draft articles and enable Governments to develop proposals for textual amendment relating to the diplomatic Conference scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
As a member of the Bureau of this important process, The Gambia intends to explore possibilities for an effective elaborate, universal and legally binding Convention that advances international law, close the impunity gaps and strengthen international efforts towards supporting domestic capacity, prevention and national ownership while reaffirming commitments for an inclusive, transparent and constructive engagement throughout the process.