Towards a 'complementary preparedness' approach to universal jurisdiction

The exercise of universal jurisdiction is a key element of the global ‘fight against impunity’ of crimes under international law, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The paper argues that contrary to the common ‘rise and fall’ narrative, recent empirical data shows an increase in the number of universal jurisdiction cases during the past decade. Referring inter alia to recent experiences from Germany, the paper identifies a shift from the prevalent ‘no safe haven’ paradigm to a ‘complementary preparedness’ approach to universal jurisdiction, reflecting the underlying idea of a transnationally organised and multi-level system of international criminal justice based on the sharing of labour between various stakeholders.

Prof. Dr. Florian Jeßberger, professor at the University of Hamburg, chair in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, International Criminal Law and Modern Legal History

Andreas Schüller, program director for International Crimes & Accountability at the European Center of Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), will complement this seminar from a practitioner's perspectives sharing his experience of litigating cases under universal jurisdiction in various jurisdictions.

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The Bonavero Discussion Group on Human Rights takes place every Tuesday, 12.30 to 2pm, in the Gilly Leventis Meeting Room at the Bonavero Institute, Mansfield College.

A light sandwich lunch will be served.

No RSVP is necessary.