Closing the Impunity Gap: UK Law on Genocide (and related crimes) and Redress for Torture Victims

HL Paper 153 / HC 553, Twenty-fourth Report of Session 2008-09 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes and Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Lords / House of Commons - Joint Committee on Human Rights

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

In this report the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights says inconsistencies in the way the UK applies international law have created an 'impunity gap' for international war criminals, allowing them to visit the UK without fear of prosecution.

The Committee says the Government has not fully implemented international conventions to give UK courts the fullest possible jurisdiction over crimes such as:

• genocide;

• torture;

• war crimes;

• crimes against humanity; and

• hostage-taking.

This has left gaps in the law which grant impunity to international criminals.

The Committee says the Government should ensure that UK law supports the victims of these crimes. Suspects should be liable to arrest whenever they are in the UK.

Under international law, victims of torture can seek reparation but the UK courts do not have jurisdiction to allow torture victims to sue the foreign states who tortured them.

The Committee says states and those acting on their behalf must not have immunity for torture.

Extent	93 pages	ISBN	9780108444883
Size	A4	Price	£14.50
Binding	Paperback	Published	11 Aug 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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