Legal practitioners, prosecutors, and international experts are gathering from 20–24 April 2026 in The Hague and Karlsruhe as part of a study visit held in the context of the 39th Meeting of the European Network for the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes.
The visit, organised by the National Authorities against Impunity-Project in close collaboration with the Wayamo Foundation, brings together a delegation of African prosecution authorities, including the Directors of Public Prosecutions from Uganda, Kenya, and Mauritius, as well as the Head of the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit from South Africa.
The National Authorities against Impunity Project was established in 2024, and aims to contribute to criminal judicial accountability for core international crimes by enhancing the cooperation between civil society organisations and national authorities investigating and prosecuting such crimes in both EU and non-EU countries.
At the International Criminal Court in The Hague, participants engage with Judges, the Office of the Prosecutor and the Registry to gain insight into the ICC’s role in addressing core international crimes. Sessions cover the court’s history, jurisdiction, investigative processes, state cooperation, and courtroom practice, and focus on a practical understanding of international justice in action.
At the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service, participants engage with the Netherlands War Crimes Unit to discuss investigating and prosecuting international crimes domestically. Sessions focus on multidisciplinary approaches to complex cases and the challenges of building cases involving genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
Subsequent sessions at Eurojust deepen the focus on international cooperation. Meetings with representatives from various offices, including liaison prosecutors and the Genocide Prosecution Network Secretariat, underscore the importance of coordination across jurisdictions. These discussions highlight the operational challenges of cross-border investigations and the critical role of information sharing in ensuring accountability.
TRIAL roundtable in The Hague.
This is complemented by a roundtable discussion organised by TRIAL on universal jurisdiction, where experts explore how legal frameworks can effectively prosecute crimes regardless of where they are committed. The exchange of perspectives between judicial practitioners and civil society representatives reinforces the importance of collaboration beyond formal institutions.
Wayamo Director Bettina Ambach was one of the panellists sharing lessons learned from ongoing project work in Sudan.
The Hague portion of the programme also includes an invitation to participate in the Genocide Prosecution Network meeting, where national authorities share experiences, challenges, and best practices. These sessions emphasise the value of sustained cooperation and the development of technical expertise in addressing complex international crimes.
The final leg of the visit focuses on the work of the German war crimes unit at the Office of the Federal Public Prosecutor (Generalbundesanwalt) in Karlsruhe, which has jurisdiction over international crimes under the German Code of Crimes against International Law.
Presentations from senior prosecutors and experts provide insight into Germany’s approach to prosecuting international crimes under universal jurisdiction, highlighting notable cases and institutional strategies.
Overall, the study visit provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of how international and national actors work together to address the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. It reinforces the importance of cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustained commitment in the global fight against impunity and includes engagement with civil society organisations working at the forefront of international justice.
