Topic: Universal Jurisdiction in Crimes against Humanity
Country: North Korea
Delegate Name: Amit Khandhadia
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All North Korea position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Established in 2002 by the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has had limited success in truly prosecuting individuals. Recently issues have arisen on the harboring of fugitives responsible for crimes against humanity and their hiding in nations that do not concede to the ICC. The Court, in response, argues that it requires universal jurisdiction, which would allow the Court to put any man on trial for perpetrating international crimes. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea opposes any such measures.
Although the ICC seeks to serve justice, the Court does so at the expense of national sovereignty as they would force a nation to give up their own people for the judgment of outside nations. These nations, perhaps self-interested, could have ulterior motives for the prosecution. Furthermore, an international entity with such power would have no ballast and could easily become intertwined in international disputes and disagreements. Moreover, the ICC can claim universal jurisdiction over Crimes against Humanity through proposal of the Security Council where developed nations have the power to veto any proposals that do not suit their ends showing the court has already fallen under the petty influence of certain members of the international community.
The Democratic People’s Republic refuses to support any resolution giving the ICC the power to intrude on the dealings of nations. If the Court asks for the extradition of a national, the Korean People’s Democratic Republic holds they must show undeniable proof that, the pursued individual has a connection to a crime and then, only with the countries willing, the Court may then prosecute the individual.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea reminds all nations to consider their national sovereignty and to ask whether universal jurisdiction will truly lead to peace and prosperity or competition and strife.
