Topic: Universal Jurisdiction in Crimes against Humanity
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Rebecca Michelson
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Italy position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
It is a priority of the Italian Republic’s to put an end to harsh, unspeakable crimes against
humanity that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is working so diligently to control. Italy
believes that in the case of crimes that fall under the classification of the most cruel and harsh, it is the right of other nations to intervene in the nation where the crime is taking place, and it is the duty of all nations to put an end to the cruelty.
The Italian Republic views universal jurisdiction as key in protecting Italian, European Union, and international interests. Italy provides for jurisdiction over a set of offenses against national interests, such as against the state, counterfeiting, or an attack against state symbols. Italy still holds to its sovereignty in the case of its own unconditional jurisdiction. Italy maintains the right the hold trial for a convicted criminal within the boundaries of Italy, even if the crime took place outside of Italy, as long as Italy’s sovereign interests are involved.
Italy holds its own jurisdiction in the case of foreigners where a political offense was committed, as well as ordinary crimes involving an Italian citizen or the request of the Minister of Justice. Italy holds that it alone shall deal with issues of crimes involving its own citizens. Italy supports that, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” as, stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is the duty of nations to respect these rights of every person, no matter their nationality, but dealt with depending on the crime and the degree of severity.
As for progress made toward crimes against humanity, the Italian Republic, as a ratifying
member of the Rome Statue, supports the ICC and its efforts to handle the most severe cases of crimes against human rights. Italy believes that with encouraged support from all nations, the ICC will be most able to perform its duties in making the world a safer and more aware place. Italy is ready to work with other nations to define Universal Jurisdiction in Crimes Against Humanity, in order to protect human rights on a global scale, and at the same time, assure that the legitimacy of national sovereignty be maintained.
