Prosecuting international crimes: a matter of willingness
How do different countries prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and enforced disappearance? Together with Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), TRIAL International worked on a thorough analysis of the laws and practices of eight countries relating to their investigation and prosecution of those crimes under universal jurisdiction. The two organizations are now publishing a series of reports comparing the legal systems of Canada, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Universal jurisdiction allows for the prosecution of crimes regardless of where such crimes were committed, and irrespective of the nationality of the victims or of the perpetrators. Within this framework, each country defines the specific crimes that can be prosecuted within its borders under universal jurisdiction. Modes of liability, conditions triggering jurisdiction, evidentiary requirements, witness and victim’s protection or reparations for victims: these questions, and numerous others, often vary from one country to another. These reports aim to help lawyers and NGOs supporting victims of the gravest crimes to seek justice under universal jurisdiction in states where they do not necessarily know the law and practices.
From a practitioners’ perspective
The research was primarily built on an analysis of the different legal systems based on a questionnaire compiled by OSJI and TRIAL International and submitted to local lawyers. This phase was completed through interviews with legal experts such as prosecutors within national war crime units, lawyers in universal jurisdiction cases, academics specializing in international criminal law and NGOs fighting against impunity. This practical perspective allowed us to construct an analysis of the legal framework in each country studied. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, readers are advised to confirm the currency of any provisions cited.
Same legal framework, different practices
The research reveals that some states are actively resorting to universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute international crimes, such as France, Germany and The Netherlands. France and Germany have even joined forces to enhance their capacity of investigation in relation to crimes committed in Syria.
The reports draw attention to the fact that the universal jurisdiction framework varies from one country to another, which makes it complex for practitioners to build cases. Requirements to exercise universal jurisdiction will change depending on various aspects, such as the nature of the crime or the nexus with the state exercising jurisdiction. TRIAL International hopes this research will help lawyers and NGOs to find their way in the different legal systems studied.
Read the full reports on
- France (February 2019)
- Germany (April 2019)
- The Netherlands (May 2019)
- Switzerland (June 2019)
- Norway (January 2020)
- Finland (March 2020)
- Canada (April 2020)
- Sweden (April 2020)
