On Monday 14 October 2024, at Christian Aid’s Annual Lecture, we were honoured to welcome Philippe Sands KC FRSL FBA, a leading voice in international law and human rights, and a distinguished Professor at University College London.
His lecture, titled Genocide and Other International Crimes: Protecting the Individual and the Group Now and Tomorrow, was part of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Autumn Lecture Series.
In his thought-provoking address, Philippe Sands explored the challenges and complexities of addressing genocide, crimes against humanity, and the broader international legal order. He shared compelling insights from his extensive career, particularly in pursuing justice for human rights violations across global conflicts.
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Understanding the legal landscape
Mr. Sands reflected on the rise of international crimes and the weakening adherence to international law in various conflict zones. From the atrocities in Ukraine and Myanmar to the ongoing crisis in Gaza, he underscored how the protection of civilians has become an ever more urgent issue in what has been termed ‘the age of impunity’ as per outgoing UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths.
One of the key insights he shared was the history and evolution of the legal definitions surrounding genocide. Sands detailed how the term itself is relatively new, created in the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust, and how the 1948 Genocide Convention aimed to provide a framework for accountability. He pointed out the challenges of proving genocidal intent, which requires a specific demonstration of a desire to destroy a group “in whole or in part,” a high bar that has often left victims without justice.
Sands also highlighted several case studies, including in Srebrenica and the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. He explained how the legal proceedings in these cases often stumble over the stringent requirements for establishing genocide, despite overwhelming evidence of mass violence and persecution.
A call to action
In response to these challenges, Philippe Sands called for a renewed commitment to international justice and law. He encouraged the audience to remember that even though the law can be slow and imperfect, it remains the most important tool we have to hold perpetrators accountable and to protect the vulnerable.
Sands articulated the need for the international community to enhance mechanisms for protecting human rights and preventing mass atrocities. He suggested that legal frameworks must evolve to better reflect the realities of contemporary conflicts, where the lines between combatants and civilians are often blurred.
He also emphasised the importance of holding individuals, rather than states, accountable for crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sands concluded by offering a cautious but hopeful vision for the future of international law, urging continued faith in its ability to evolve and adapt to new challenges. He reinforced that justice is a long game, but it is crucial for the protection of human dignity.
To take the words of Madeleine Thien, the wonderful writer, in relation to international law, I would beseech you: do not say we have nothing. These pieces of paper are worth something, even if they do not go far enough. We must not take them for granted.
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About Philippe Sands
Philippe Sands KC FRSL FBA is a practising barrister, Professor of the Public Understanding of Law at University College London, and a visiting professor at Harvard Law School. He has authored several acclaimed books on international law and human rights, including East West Street (2016), which explores the origins of genocide and crimes against humanity, and The Last Colony (2022).
His latest book on Pinochet will be published in April 2025 (38 Londres Street: On Impunity, Pinochet in England and a Nazi in Patagonia).
Image credits and information
Image credits and information
About the Christian Aid Annual Lecture
The Christian Aid Annual Lecture brings together over 300 parliamentarians, policy makers, development experts, faith leaders, and media representatives to discuss some of the most pressing global issues. Previous speakers have included Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (2023), and David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary (2022).
This year’s lecture was part of St Martin-in-the-Fields’ Autumn Lecture Series. Inspired by the theme ‘Inspiration: The Influences That Have Shaped My Life,’ the series featured a range of influential speakers discussing the forces that have shaped their worldviews.
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