The Ljubljana – Hague Convention was adopted at the diplomatic conference

SE/STA

26. 5. 2023, 20.35

Updated: 26/05/2023, 20:44

The Ljubljana-Hague Convention, or the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes, was adopted at a diplomatic conference after almost two weeks of negotiations, in which almost 300 experts from the field of international law participated from May 15. public and international criminal law.

In addition to the preamble and final provisions in seven chapters, the convention in almost one hundred articles defines central authorities for cooperation, definitions and the position of victims, witnesses, experts and other persons, regulates international legal assistance and extradition procedures, transfer of convicted persons and dispute resolution procedures. It is also the first major international treaty in the field of international criminal law under the Rome Statute. It is expected to be signed at the beginning of next year in The Hague, and to enter into force, it will have to be ratified by at least 15 countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon At the end of the conference, she thanked the initiators of the convention for their exceptional cooperation and friendship. “Without your dedication, expertise and political will, ten years of efforts to promote and raise awareness of the importance of the MLA Convention would have been in vain,” she said. Slovenia has been participating in the offer for more than 12 years. “The adoption of the Ljubljana – Hague Convention is a historic achievement that represents a big step forward in our joint fight against impunity and the search for justice for the most serious crimes. With this convention, the words ‘Never again!’ turning into actual measures,” emphasized the head of Slovenian diplomacy.

She is convinced that the convention will strengthen cooperation between countries in the investigation and prosecution of the most serious international crimes and strengthen capacities in the fight against impunity. “It will enable the entire international community to remain true to its commitment to the principle of accountability. It will eliminate existing legal gaps and bureaucratic obstacles and facilitate mutual legal assistance in criminal investigations, asset recovery, extradition and other international legal matters,” emphasized Fajon. She added that the adoption of the Convention sends a clear message to all potential perpetrators and future victims of these cruel crimes that impunity is over and that justice will prevail.

Minister of Justice Dominika Švarc Pipan meanwhile she explained that “the convention eliminates the legal gaps in the field of international legal assistance and extradition that we faced in the past and represents a common global framework for cooperation”. “The adoption of the Convention reflects the unity of countries in their efforts to protect human dignity, fundamental rights and the rule of law, and our willingness to continue to work together to end impunity at the global level,” she added.