Table of Contents:
Network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity
Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity
Topics
These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.
Human rights > Human rights in non-EU countries
Network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity
Document or Iniciative
Council Decision 2002/494/JHA of 13 June 2002 setting up a European network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Summary
All countries of the European Union (EU) have ratified the Rome Statute of 17 July 1998 setting up the International Criminal Court (ICC) to hear cases involving genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. However, the ICC remains complementary to national systems of criminal law. The investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes continue to be the responsibility of national authorities. Therefore, the EU is calling for closer cooperation between the relevant national authorities to ensure that these crimes will be combated successfully.
National contact points
Each EU country must designate a national contact point for exchanging information on investigations of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The details of each contact point must be sent to the General Secretariat of the Council, which will forward them to the other EU countries.
Upon request, the contact points must provide each other with information relevant to investigations into genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. They may also exchange such information of their own motion. In addition, the contact points are responsible for facilitating cooperation between the competent national authorities.
The Council annually briefs the European Parliament on the activities of the network of contact points.
This decision is without prejudice to the conventions or agreements regarding mutual assistance in criminal matters between judicial authorities.
References
| Act | Entry into force | Deadline for transposition in the Member States | Official Journal |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Decision 2002/494/JHA |
13.6.2002 |
– |
OJ L 167, 26.6.2002 |
Related Acts
Council Decision 2003/335/JHA of 8 May 2003 on the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes [Official Journal L 118 of 14.5.2003].