Ambassador Christian Wenaweser has held the esteemed position of Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations for several years, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the international stage. During this tenure, he has made significant contributions to transitional justice through his leadership roles and advocacy at the international level, most prominently on his work in international criminal law and human rights. He also served as a member of ICTJ’s Advisory Board since 2010, President of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for 3 years (2008-2010), where he played a crucial role in advancing the mission of the ICC, which is an important component of transitional justice efforts worldwide. The ICC prosecutes individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression, contributing to justice in post-conflict societies.
Additionally, Wenaweser's leadership in various United Nations committees and working groups, particularly those focused on human rights and security council reform, indirectly supports transitional justice initiatives. These forums provide platforms for discussing and addressing issues related to impunity, accountability, and the protection of human rights, all of which are fundamental to transitional justice processes. His efforts to strengthen international legal frameworks, promote accountability for grave human rights violations, and advocate for the rule of law contribute to the broader goals of transitional justice worldwide.
Prior to his presidency, Ambassador Wenaweser played pivotal roles in various capacities. He chaired the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression for the Assembly of States Parties from 2003 until his election as President. Additionally, at the United Nations, he served as Chairman of the Third Committee during the 57th session of the General Assembly, focusing primarily on human rights issues. Furthermore, he contributed to the advancement of security council reform as Vice Chair of the Open-Ended Working Group on Security Council Reform during the 59th session.
and was the Chairman of the ad hoc Committee on the Scope of Legal Protection under the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel from 2003 to 2005. Ambassador Wenaweser's academic journey includes studies at prestigious institutions such as the University of Zurich, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Munich, Germany.
