Press release
Ireland signs into landmark Convention on investigation and prosecution of the most serious international crimes
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Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State James Browne has today signed the Ljubljana – The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other international crimes (“the Convention”).
The Convention provides for international co-operation mechanisms to strengthen the fight against the most serious international crimes. This includes mutual legal assistance, extradition and transfers of sentenced persons, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution at the national level of these crimes. The Convention has a particular focus on victims’ rights.
Minister Browne today signed the Convention on behalf of Ireland at the Peace Palace in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Minister Browne said:
“This Convention marks a vital step in strengthening the international community’s ability to tackle the most serious of crimes.
“I am pleased to sign this on behalf of Ireland, underlining the State’s support for efforts to ensure accountability for these crimes.
“We will now seek government authority for Ireland to ratify the convention, once the necessary legislative and administrative measures are put in place.”
Ireland played an active role in negotiations on the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes (the Ljubljana-Hague Convention).
The Ljubljana-Hague Convention garnered the support of 80 countries, including Ireland, with the final text adopted in May 2023.
The Convention operates as a stand-alone multilateral agreement, outside of the UN framework, and is open to all states.
This initiative was first proposed in 2011 and negotiations began shortly afterwards. The new Convention is consistent with Ireland’s policy priority of ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes.
The Convention will be subject to national ratification procedures.