TRIAL International,
Civitas Maxima,
Center for Justice & Accountability (CJA),
European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR),
Federation Internationale de Ligues des Droits de l’Homme (FIDH),
REDRESS
Bericht
2026
The present report reviews cases brought under three grounds of extraterritorial jurisdiction: the principle of universal jurisdiction and the principles of active and passive personality. The report covers public developments that occurred during the year 2025 and does not claim to be exhaustive as many cases are subject to the confidentiality of criminal investigations. It only reports cases where judges or prosecutors have initiated criminal investigations into international crimes, namely genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and enforced disappearances. Between January and December 2025, 34 new cases were opened or made public, and 23 convictions were secured.
Unprecedented Attacks on International Criminal Justice
2025 was also marked by unprecedented attacks on international criminal justice. US-sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other actors in relation to the situation in Palestine constitute direct attempts to shield the US and its allies, specifically Israel, from accountability, and risk depriving many people of what might be their last resort for justice. These developments risk entrenching double standards and eroding the credibility of international criminal justice.
Coordination and Cooperation becomes more crucial than ever
At a time where accountability mechanisms are strained, coordination and cooperation between different actors becomes more crucial than ever. This year’s UJAR demonstrates that, where such synergies exist, they can deliver concrete results. At the same time, universal and other forms of extraterritorial jurisdiction’s effectiveness face limitations. Their effectiveness is shaped by power dynamics and depends on specialised units and adequate resources. Many contexts where international crimes continue to be committed on a mass scale remain largely absent in universal and extraterritorial jurisdiction practice. As pressure grows, States committed to the international rule of law must strengthen their capacity to act.
The UJAR 2026 was researched and written by UpRights. It is produced as part of the “Global Initiative against Impunity for International Crimes and Serious Human Rights Violations: Making Justice Work” (GIAI). The GIAI is a global civil society-led programme, co-funded by the European Union, that promotes inclusive, integrated, comprehensive justice and accountability for serious human rights violations worldwide.
