UK 'safe haven for war criminals'
British MPs say inconsistencies in the way the UK applies international law have created an 'impunity gap' for international war criminals, allowing them to visit the UK without fear of prosecution
A committee of MPs says the Government has not fully implemented international conventions to give UK courts the fullest possible jurisdiction over crimes such as genocide, torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and hostage-taking. This has left gaps in the law which grant impunity to international criminals.
Under international law, victims of torture can seek reparation but the UK courts do not have jurisdiction to allow torture victims to sue the foreign states who tortured them. The committee says states and those acting on their behalf must not have immunity for torture.
Andrew Dismore MP, chairman of the committee said: "The UK must not be a safe haven for evil. The message to those who have perpetrated the most heinous crimes imaginable must be clear: they are not welcome here – not to visit, not to live, not to holiday, shop, or get medical treatment."
