Judicial cooperation : genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, European network. Initiative Netherlands

PURPOSE : to set up a European network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Decision 2002/494/JHA setting up a European network of contact points in respect of persons responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes CONTENT : the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 17 July 1998 affirms that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, in particular genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, must not go unpunished and that their effective prosecution must be ensured by taking measures at the national level and by enhancing international cooperation. This Decision states that each Member State shall designate a contact point for the exchange of information concerning the investigation of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In addition, each contact point's task shall be to provide on request, in accordance with the relevant arrangements between Member States and applicable national law, any available information that may be relevant in the context of investigations into genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes or to facilitate cooperation with the competent national authorities. The Council will inform the European Parliament of the functioning and effectiveness of the European network of contact points in the context of the annual debate held by the European Parliament pursuant to Article 39 of the Treaty. Member States shall ensure that they are able to cooperate fully in accordance with the provisions of this Decision at the latest one year after this Decision takes effect. This Decision shall take effect on the 13 June 2002.�