Scope and Application of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction

Universal jurisdiction, understood broadly as the right to prosecute perpetrators of serious international crimes regardless of any jurisdictional link recognised by international criminal law, exists in the realm of literature rather than in reality. This study focuses on those recent political and legal developments regarding universal jurisdiction, taking into account in particular concerns raised by the African States and the African Union. It analyses the origins, and legal rules guiding the application of this principle paying attention to difficulties and challenges of its use under national jurisdictions. Finally the report proposes alternatives and pragmatic avenues for dealing with existing concerns that can be undertaken on both international and national levels.