Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that permits a state to conduct criminal proceedings for certain crimes regardless of where the crimes took place or whether those involved are citizens or nationals of that state.
The principle of universal jurisdiction acknowledges that some offences are so egregious that they are considered crimes against the whole international community and, thus, are of universal concern. In some situations, these prosecutions may provide the only opportunity to promote accountability. Several European countries have opened universal jurisdiction cases against foreign nationals alleged to be responsible for international crimes committed in the nationals’ home countries.
In most instances, prosecutors or investigative magistrates have brought these cases forward with the assistance and/or pressure of human rights NGOs and victims’ groups from the countries where the alleged violations took place. Countries such as Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Argentina, and Australia have pursued prosecutions through universal jurisdiction.