The International Nuremberg Principles Academy hosted a seminar entitled ‘Joint training on the investigation and prosecution of core international crimes’ in Nuremberg, Germany, from 5–7 June. It was organised by the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) and the Genocide Network Secretariat (GNS), and attended by 35 judges and prosecutors from all 27 EU Member States.
EJTN and the GNS organised the seminar for justice professionals who are involved in – or likely to be involved in – the prosecution and trial of complex cross-border and international offences. Ukrainian prosecutors were also invited to join the event.
The learning outcomes of the seminar included: an improved understanding of substantive international criminal law and relevant international and national jurisprudence; a better understanding of criminal liability in this field; and an insight into the impact that the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in Europe has on refugees.
Participants gained practical knowledge of the instruments of judicial cooperation in criminal matters within the EU, along with applicable international treaties. Other topics covered included practical issues around constructing cases on core international crimes, and the challenges linked to evidence-gathering and witness hearings.
The format of this introductory training session included lectures, group work around a case scenario, and plenary debriefings. It gave participants the opportunity to develop practical skills, as well as providing an invaluable platform for sharing best practice. Delegates also gained a better understanding of the legal systems and investigative approaches employed by different EU Member States.
The inclusion of Ukrainian participants further enriched the event, promoting a cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and expertise in managing complex cases related to international crimes.
Note for editors
The photo that accompanies this article is courtesy of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy.
The European Network for investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (‘Genocide Network’) was established in 2002 and reinforced in 2003 by the Council of the EU to enable close cooperation between the national authorities when investigating and prosecuting the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, known collectively as core international crimes. The Network’s mandate is to ensure perpetrators do not attain impunity within the Member States.
EU States are represented in the Genocide Network through national Contact Points, comprising specialised and dedicated prosecutors, investigators and officers for mutual legal assistance. The Contact Points provide operational support to their colleagues at national and EU level through judicial cooperation.
The Network provides a platform for practitioners to exchange operational information and share experiences and best practice through biannual meetings. The Network is a unique forum with Member State national authorities joining Observer States and associate organisations from the EU, United Nations and beyond, as well as civil society, in a common goal: fight against impunity.
To learn more about the Genocide Network, please visit:
https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/judicial-cooperation/practitioner-networks/genocide-network
