The concept of "universal jurisdiction" emerged following World War Two, but it has only truly been practiced in most European countries over the past two decades. This last decade has seen a noticeable increase in the number of complaints filed and sentences issued by courts using the principle of universal jurisdiction. This has been followed by various legislative measures in each country to regulate the practice of universal jurisdiction, either restricting certain elements or further re-inforcing its implementation.
Alkarama has extensive experience working with victims of torture and other human rights violations in the Arab World and chose to focus on submiting such cases to the United Nations human rights mechanisms due to the failure of domestic courts and regional mechanisms to effectively provide protection to the victims of serious human rights violations. The universal jurisdiction given to courts in European countries offers a further recourse for victims of these violations, allowing for them to submit complaints against those who violated their most basic rights regardless of their origins or where the violations took place. This jurisdiction can be used by the victims Alkarama defends, from the Arab region, but also by victims around the world.
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