Topic:
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Emerson Abbo
Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that allows for the prosecution of heinous crimes across international borders. As a determined contributor to international peacekeeping, Italy has participated in 30 United Nations peacekeeping missions, is the seventh largest financial contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, and has been elected for seven separate terms on the United Nations Security Council. Italy’s long history of drafting and adopting various humanitarian laws promotes human rights and justice on a national and international stage. In accordance with this tradition, Italy believes that universal jurisdiction is necessary to establish justice and promote peace.
Committed to fighting for human rights, Italy asserted universal jurisdiction in a 2007 trial. Specifically, in 2005, Italian Judge Guido Salvini issued warrants for the arrest of 22 alleged operatives of the Central Intelligence Agency. He claimed the abduction and torture of suspected terrorist Abu Omar violated Italian sovereignty and international law. Then, an Italian court issued a European Arrest Warrant for the 22 suspects. Additionally, the Justice Minister refused a United States extradition request. In the end, 26 Americans and nine Italians were indited. Abu Omar was tortured in Egypt, outside Italy’s borders, but not outside Italy’s scope of justice. Additionally, Italy is party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishments, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the Gevena Conventions. By participating in these agreements, Italy may practice universal jurisdiction and continue fighting for justice. Italy serves as an example for other nations dedicated to combating crimes against humanity, torture, war crimes, crimes of aggression, and other atrocious actions.
The Italian Republic urges the United Nations to establish clearer guidelines and common objectives for applying universal jurisdiction. Additionally, ensuring fair due process and eradicating corruption through thorough and frequent investigations is necessary for the cooperation of various states and international courts. Italy urges the international community to consider universal jurisdiction’s potential for further advancing human rights. Ultimately, states must discuss the potential of a more centralized, coordinated, and clear structure. A competent framework is strong enough to evenly and frequently apply universal jurisdiction.
