Holy See diplomat weighs in on ‘universal jurisdiction’ in response to gravest crimes
October 21, 2015
Amid a UN discussion of the extent to which international bodies such as the International Criminal Court possess “universal jurisdiction,” particularly in response to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the Holy See’s permanent observer expressed cautious support.
“Used for political or ideological purposes, universal jurisdiction has the potential to harm international cooperation and the rule of law,” Archbishop Bernardito Auza said in an October 20 statement. “But universal jurisdiction may be necessary to ensure that atrocities against human rights and humanitarian law do not go unanswered, when the punishment of criminals becomes impossible to enforce at country level.”
“The Holy See believes that properly understood and applied, with due regard to the principle of subsidiarity, universal jurisdiction can serve as an important tool in the international community’s shared mission to protect the weak and to prevent impunity,” he concluded.
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Further information:
- Statement On Agenda Item 86: The Scope And Application Of The Principle Of Universal Jurisdiction (Holy See Mission)
- As Views Diverge on Universal Jurisdiction’s Scope, Application, Definition Sixth Committee Delegates Urge Further Study on Matter (United Nations)
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