STATEMENT BY
MR. AHMAD GHAZALI BIN MUHAMAD NADZRI
COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON AGENDA ITEM 81:
CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
AT THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF THE 80TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK, 13 OCTOBER 2025 Mr. Chair,
1. Malaysia takes note of the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 4 December 2024, which decided to convene a United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries in 2028 and 2029 for the purpose of elaborating and concluding a legally binding instrument on the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity. Malaysia further notes the decision to establish a Preparatory Committee commencing in 2026, supported by a working group, and welcomes the use of a compiled text consisting of the draft articles, proposed amendments, and related commentaries, as the basis for negotiations.
2. In light of this development and consistent with Malaysia’s earlier position, Malaysia reaffirms its support in principle for the International Law Commission’s recommendation to elaborate a convention on crimes against humanity. Malaysia emphasizes that the absence of a dedicated global treaty to address such crimes underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework that criminalizes crimes against humanity under domestic law, strengthens jurisdictional bases, and enhances international cooperation through extradition, mutual legal assistance and the principle of aut dedere aut judicare.
3. Malaysia remains committed to engaging constructively in the Sixth Committee and throughout the Preparatory Committee process, with a view to ensuring that the eventual convention adopts a balanced approach that upholds international obligations while remaining consistent with Malaysia’s Federal Constitution, domestic legislation, and
4. Accordingly, Malaysia will continue to participate actively in the discussions leading up to the Conference of Plenipotentiaries, undertake the necessary research and domestic consultations, and contribute substantive views at each stage of the process. In doing so, Malaysia aims to contribute meaningfully to the codification and progressive development of international law, as well as to the international community’s collective effort to prevent and punish crimes against humanity.
Thank you.