New York, 21-22 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction and to Member States for their continued engagement on this important topic.
The United Arab Emirates reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to international law. We believe that accountability for crimes of concern to the international community is a cornerstone of international law.
Mr. Chair,
Universal jurisdiction, when properly defined and applied, can serve as an important tool in combatting impunity and ensuring that those responsible of certain serious international crimes are brought to justice, regardless of where these serious crimes are committed or the nationality of the perpetrator. In this regard, international cooperation is important to prevent impunity and foster such accountability for violations of international law, which trigger individual responsibility.
It is imperative not to politicize the use of universal jurisdiction. Its application must operate in harmony with general principles of international law, including sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of states so as not to erode their mutual trust and weaken cooperation in the fight against impunity.
In this regard, the UAE wishes to make the following brief points:
First, the UAE posits that universal jurisdiction has a complementary and subsidiary character. It should not be exercised to the detriment of other jurisdictional bases, such as territorial, active, and passive jurisdiction. Prosecutorial action based on these grounds is more effective due to the direct link with the specific crime, and better upholds justice for the victims.We cannot overlook in this regard, the practical benefits of the territorial jurisdiction, especially in terms of easier access to relevant evidence and better understanding of the factual circumstances surrounding the crime.
Second, as with the exercise of all modes of jurisdiction, it is imperative to respect customary international rules concerning immunities of State officials.
Mr. Chair,
The United Arab Emirates remains firmly committed to strengthening accountability and international cooperation. In this spirit, the UAE has concluded more than 100 agreements on extradition and mutual legal assistance.
In conclusion, the UAE stands ready to work constructively with all Member States to develop a more coherent and consistent understanding of this principle, and to ensure that universal jurisdiction is applied in a legally sound manner.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.