Comment: The Principle of Universal Jurisdiction for Massive Human Right Violation of the Past: An International and Ethiopian Perspective

Abstract

Confronting egregious human rights violations and repressive past is an arduous and necessary task to end the cycle of impunity. Bearing in mind Ethiopia’s notable contribution to the peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond, Ethiopia and the region at large can benefit from showing support to institutions that aim to establish accountability for grave human rights violation. Ethiopia needs to champion and redefine its support of accountability by exercising universal jurisdiction. Where the domestic judicial system is unable or unwilling to deal with grave crimes committed within its national jurisdiction or against its nationals, other countries’ institutions can serve as safeguard and fallback options to establish accountability, thereby significantly contributing to the protection of human rights. Thus, it is very crucial to the fight against impunity that Ethiopian laws providing for universal jurisdiction should be set in motion. In this comment, the scope, development, role and challenges of the principle of universal jurisdiction with proper reference to practical cases are discussed. Furthermore, thes cope of universal jurisdiction under Ethiopian law is compared with international law and African model Universal Jurisdiction Law to indicate its implication to the Horn of Africa.

Key terms

Transitional justice · Accountability · Universal jurisdiction · Ethiopia · Justice · Horn of Africa