Statement by Oļegs Iļģis Deputy Permanent Representative on behalf of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia on scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction at the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly
New York, 14 October 2026
Madam Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the three Baltic States - Estonia, Lithuania and my own country Latvia. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Today, we would like to highlight two points.
First, universal jurisdiction represents an exceptional but indispensable tool and plays a distinct role in preventing accountability gaps.
For the Baltic States, unwavering commitment to accountability is deeply rooted in our historical experience and our firm dedication to international law. Failure to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law undermines justice and directly threatens international peace and security.
Universal jurisdiction remains an important element of the international legal framework for accountability. It reflects the understanding that for core international crimes impunity must not prevail.
Cases brought before national courts on the basis of universal jurisdiction have demonstrated the principles practical contribution to ensuring accountability.
In recent years, the necessity and practical value of universal jurisdiction have become increasingly evident. The Baltic States, like several other States, have initiated investigations into international crimes committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.
The contribution of universal jurisdiction should not be viewed only through the number of cases that ultimately result in trials or convictions. By allowing national authorities to act even without territorial or nationality links, it helps prevent alleged perpetrators from finding safe havens. These investigations also preserve evidence, identify suspects, and support proceedings in other jurisdictions.
This brings me to our second point: accountability increasingly depends on cooperation.
International crimes rarely present themselves within the borders of one jurisdiction. Evidence may be located in one State, witnesses in another, and an alleged perpetrator in a third. For this reason, cooperation between States is essential. Evidence gathered today may become decisive only years later, and it may ultimately be used in a jurisdiction different from the one in which it was first collected. Universal jurisdiction is not a solitary endeavor; it relies heavily on inter-State cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and coordinated evidence collection.
We call on all States to join instruments and mechanisms that enhance such cooperation and to adopt the necessary national frameworks to effectively exercise universal jurisdiction, in accordance with international law and applicable fair-trial guarantees.
Mr. Chair,
The Baltic States remain committed to the fight against impunity. Our discussions on the scope and application of universal jurisdiction should contribute to that objective.
In this regard, the Baltic States welcome the focus of the Working Group this year on how universal jurisdiction is distinct from other related concepts.
We see value in greater clarity and a better common understanding of the principle. In considering its relationship with other bases of jurisdiction, due regard should also be given to subsidiarity, the primary role of States with a closer connection to the alleged crime and the rules to solve conflict of jurisdictions. Universal jurisdiction can complement such jurisdiction by helping to address accountability gaps where effective proceedings are not pursued. Distinguishing universal jurisdiction from other bases and accountability mechanisms can contribute to greater consistency in our discussions and in State practice.
Hence, we also see value in continued discussion within the Sixth Committee and, in due course, engagement with the International Law Commission.
Ultimately, universal jurisdiction is one part of a broader system of accountability. That system is strongest when different jurisdictions and mechanisms are able to complement one another.
I thank you.