New York: Qatar attaches special importance to the issue of universal jurisdiction, as it is one of the principles of international law and a mechanism of the rule of law that secures fair justice and combats impunity for crimes and serious violations of international law and international humanitarian and human rights law.
This came in a statement delivered by Ghanim Abdullah Al Ghanim, member of Qatar’s delegation participating in the 68th UN General Assembly’s meeting for legal committee on ‘The Scope and Application of the Principle of Universal Jurisdiction’.
Qatar welcomed the panel’s continued discussion on the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction and the formation of a work team in this regard.
Al Ghanim said the issue should be explored within the framework of international law and conventions that have been reached in this regard, and special interest should be given to the applicable international rules.
He stressed that Qatar believes that the team should seek to identify areas, where there are consensus among member states and those which need further examination and continued consultations.
Al Ghanim said perpetrators exploit loopholes in international conventions and human rights law to continue their crimes and escape punishment.
He also stressed the importance of determining the scope of universal jurisdiction to apply it in the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, and bring perpetrators to justice in a way that ensures justice for victims to send a clear message that no one is above the law.
This is of extreme importance to the international community, if we wish to have a secure and peaceful world, he added. QNA
