Strengthening Accountability for Serious International Crimes: Improving the universal jurisdiction framework through amendment of the UK’s International Criminal Court Act 20011

Strengthening Accountability for Serious International Crimes: Improving the universal jurisdiction framework through amendment of the UK’s International Criminal Court Act 20011

10 November 2025

At present, the United Kingdom’s ability to prosecute grave international crimes under universal jurisdiction is limited. The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) has criticised the current legal framework for creating “barriers to accountability”. This briefing paper supports the proposed recommendation from the JCHR and the International Development Committee and outlines the practical consequences if the law is not reformed. Adopting these amendments would close a loophole, empower prosecutors to more effectively exercise universal jurisdiction, and help ensure the UK does not become a safe haven for those accused of international crimes.

NGO-Briefing-on-ICCA-Amendment_logo-updated-Nov2025
Source
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and other NGOs

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