Ireland has signed an international agreement aimed at facilitating the investigation and prosecution of serious international crimes.

The Ljubljana-Hague Convention provides for greater international co-operation in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other international crimes.

Minister of State James Browne yesterday (14 February) signed the agreement on behalf of Ireland at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.

Extradition and transfers

The convention provides for international co-operation mechanisms that include mutual legal assistance, extradition, and transfers of sentenced persons to facilitate the investigation and prosecution at the national level of these crimes.

Minister Browne said that the agreement marked “a vital step” in strengthening the international community’s ability to tackle the most serious crimes.

The convention won the support of 80 countries, with the final text adopted in May 2023.

Ireland will ratify the agreement once the necessary legislative and administrative measures are in place.