Abstract

International criminal justice is still a work in progress, facing visible and invisible obstacles. The determination of those who are committed to it can hope to advance the goal of overcoming these obstacles. The efforts of those who have brought about the draft CAH (Crimes Against Humanity) specialized convention to this stage are to be lauded and applauded, but their task as well as that of others is far from being completed. The next phase is going to be the most arduous one, and it will need wise, determined, and consistent efforts to create the necessary momentum to achieve the goals of international criminal justice. This article examines historical developments of CAH and argues for a specialized convention to address these issues of criminal law.

Keywords: Crimes against humanity, War crimes, International criminal law, Combatants & noncombatants (International law), International Criminal Court, International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991, International Tribunal for Rwanda