Comment: The Principle of Universal Jurisdiction for Massive Human Right Violation of the Past: An International and Ethiopian Perspective
| Author | Adi Dekebo Dale |
| Position | Adi Dekebo Dale: LL.B, (Haramaya University); LL.M, (Addis Ababa University) LL.M, (University of the Western Cape in co-operation with Humboldt-University of Berlin); PhD Candidate, (Addis Ababa University) Lecturer, School of Law and Federalism, ECSU, and Attorney & Consultant at Law. Email: adidekebo@gmail.com |
| Pages | 166-178 |
166
The Principle of Universal Jurisdiction for
Massive Human Right Violation of the Past:
An International and Ethiopian Perspective
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/mlr.v13i1.7
Adi Dekebo Dale
Abstract
Confronting egregious human rights violations and repressive past is an arduous
and necessary task to end the cycle of impunity. Bearing in mind Ethiopia’s
notable contribution to the peace and security in the Horn of Africa and beyond,
Ethiopia and the region at large can benefit from showing support to institutions
that aim to establish accountability for grave human rights violation. Ethiopia
needs to champion and redefine its support of accountability by exercising
universal jurisdiction. Where the domestic judicial system is unable or unwilling
to deal with grave crimes committed within its national jurisdiction or against its
nationals, other countries’ institutions can serve as safeguard and fallback options
to establish accountability, thereby significantly contributing to the protection of
human rights. Thus, it is very crucial to the fight against impunity that Ethiopian
laws providing for universal jurisdiction should be set in motion. In this
comment, the scope, development, role and challenges of the principle of
universal jurisdiction with proper reference to practical cases are discussed.
Furthermore, thes cope of universal jurisdiction under Ethiopian law is compared
with international law and African model Universal Jurisdiction Law to indicate
its implication to the Horn of Africa.
Key terms
Transitional justice · Accountability · Universal jurisdiction · Ethiopia · Justice ·
Horn of Africa
Adi Dekeb o Dale: LL.B, (Haramaya University); LL.M, (Addis Ababa University) LL.M,
(University of the Western Cape in co-operation with Humboldt-University of Berlin);
PhD Candidate, (Addis Ababa University) Lecturer, Sch ool of Law and Federalism,
ECSU, and Attorney & Consultant at Law. Email: adidekebo@gmail.co m.
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