For too long, perpetrators have escaped accountability for international crimes by hiding away from the authorities seeking to investigate and prosecute them. Others escape justice as the authorities do not investigate the crimes, the countries lack relevant legislations, investigative capacities, shy away from dealing with past crimes, among others.  

The principle of universal jurisdiction was meant to address all these challenges. The principle of universal jurisdiction allows domestic authorities to exercise criminal jurisdiction over alleged perpetrators, regardless of where the alleged crime was committed and irrespective of their nationality. However, as countries globally started domesticating the principle, they took very diverse approaches, often limiting the potential of the principle. 
The fight against impunity cannot have any borders. As such, the principle of universal jurisdiction must be used to the fullest to ensure the investigation and prosecution of serious violations of international law. 

During this session, experts will discuss the use of universal jurisdiction globally - mapping the plethora of cases from the last five years. They will discuss how the cases came into being, including by way of civil society engagement. Experts will consider how the approaches in response to the war in Ukraine can help to make the principle of universal jurisdiction more widely used. They will further discuss recent developments in the area and further opportunities ahead.