The International Federation for Human Rights and REDRESS organised an international conference entitled “Strategies for the Effective Investigation and Prosecution of Serious International Crimes: The Practice of Specialised War Crimes Units”, which took place on 3- 4 November 2008 in Brussels,
Belgium. Building on the experiences of national authorities, the Conference sought to explore lessons learned regarding the establishment and operation of specialised units, with representatives from ministries of justice and foreign affairs, prosecutors, investigators and immigration officials and experts from civil society. Experts from thirteen countries discussed whether, to what extent and under what conditions, specialised units help end safe havens for perpetrators of the worst crimes. Different models were examined, as were approaches taken by States where no such units exist.
This Report is based in part on the discussions which arose during the conference and on additional research and new developments since the conference took place. The Report is predominantly focussed on European countries and experiences, as it is in Europe where the majority of specialised units exist and where most extraterritorial investigations and prosecutions of serious international crimes have taken place, so far.
The purpose of the Report is to highlight the advances made and lessons learned in recent years in the fight against impunity on a national level and to specifically illustrate how, with institutional commitment and political will, national authorities can effectively investigate and prosecute serious international crimes. A growing number of countries have established specialised units. The European Union has adopted a Framework Decision on the ‘investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes’, urging Member States ‘to consider to set up or designate specialist units within the competent law enforcement authorities with particular responsibility for investigating and, as appropriate, prosecuting the crimes in question’.