The Universal Jurisdiction Information Network will soon serve as a central resource for documentation on universal jurisdiction and facilitate coordination of strategies on the issue.

Universal jurisdiction is the principle that courts of any country can hear cases in which the crimes alleged are so heinous every country has an interest in bringing the perpetrators to justice, even if the country has no direct connection to the case. Universal jurisdiction has become an increasingly important tool in combating impunity as people come to understand that justice can be achieved in this globalised world only if it is sought both within and across borders. Those accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and other serious crimes will not, if the principle is rigorously applied, be able to escape justice by fleeing to other countries.

Website

UJ Info has developed a website that will enable access to all available information on universal jurisdiction. So, for example, when you know that a torturer from one country will be travelling to another and you want to know whether or not he could be arrested and tried for his crimes where he travels, you could go to this website to find out. In addition, if you want to encourage a government to adopt universal jurisdiction laws, you could visit our website to find which laws already exist, who is doing similar work, and what public documents have been used in comparable campaigns.

At www.u-j.info you can access national and international legislation and cases, advocacy materials, news of latest developments, and a directory of who is doing what on universal jurisdiction throughout the world. Most of these materials will be accompanied by an easy-to-understand explanation of their meaning and impact on the application of this type of jurisdiction.

Universal Jurisdiction Listserv

The Universal Jurisdiction Listserv enables those working on or interested in universal jurisdiction to learn of latest developments, upcoming meetings and work done by others, as well as to communicate with universal jurisdiction experts.

To join, send a blank email to: uj-info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.