(Brussels) – Human Rights Watch released a
question-and-answer document and
video on October 20, 2016 that highlight the groundbreaking investigations and prosecutions in European countries of people accused of kidnappings, ill-treatment, and torture in
Syria and
Iraq. These criminal cases were possible because of the arrival in Europe of both victims and suspects during the refugee crisis.
The cases, in a number of European countries, are based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows national courts to prosecute suspects of crimes in another country for some of the world’s most serious crimes. The cases are the first credible attempts at holding accountable those responsible for brutal acts against civilians in Syria and Iraq. The proceedings demonstrate that grave abuses in these countries are of concern to humanity as a whole and can be prosecuted even if those responsible flee abroad.
“Several European countries are giving Syrian and Iraqi refugees whose lives have been torn apart a ray of hope that the crimes against them won’t go unpunished,” said
Balkees Jarrah, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch. “Universal jurisdiction cases also strengthen the foundation for including justice in any eventual peace agreement.”
The Q&A explains how the universal jurisdiction principle works, outlines cases that have been brought in various European countries, and includes information on how to strengthen these efforts. The video includes interviews with experts and a Syrian activist to explain how the process is working.
