Fighting impunity for very serious crimes (crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, torture, enforced disappearance) contributes to the prevention of future crimes and to the effective implementation of victims’ rights. In the long term, this fight aims at reinforcing the rule of law and establishing a society that is more just.


FIDH has acquired unique experience in fighting impunity, as it is the only international human rights organisations with a general mandate, which is regularly involved in providing legal and judicial support for victims of international crimes.

FIDH is involved in proceedings before national tribunals, including in application of the extra-territorial or universal jurisdiction, as well as before international tribunals such as the International Criminal Court and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

Furthermore, FIDH ensures that, when defining and implementing the activities and strategies of international institutions and jurisdictions, the rights of victims of international crimes are indeed respected.

 International Criminal Court (ICC)
 Universal and Extra-territorial Jurisdiction
 Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC)

The FIDH Legal Action Group (LAG), a network of lawyers, magistrates and academics, with the support of the International Justice Desk at the FIDH International Secretariat, works to ensure that victims have access to justice, that their rights are respected and that they receive reparation. FIDH provides legal assistance to victims to initiate and participate in national proceedings, as well as to take part in proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).


The LAG mandate:
 To provide support to victims of grave human rights violations in providing legal assistance, advice, representation and support in legal actions against alleged perpetrators.
 To gather legal and factual elements required to initiate and contribute to judicial proceedings to ensure the investigation, prosecution and sanction of perpetrators of international crimes, including the preparation and submission of amici curiae before national, regional and international tribunals.
 To initiate legal actions before national and international tribunals in order to contribute to strengthening victims’ access to justice and hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.


Patrick Baudouin, Attorney at law before the Paris Bar and FIDH Honorary President, with at his side

Clémence Bectarte, Attorney at law before the Paris Bar, are coordinating the Legal Action Group.