TRIAL International

TRIAL International is a non-governmental organization founded in 2002 and based in Geneva, dedicated to combating impunity for serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and torture. Since its foundation, TRIAL has been committed to addressing the gaps in national judicial systems that, in certain contexts, fail or are unwilling to prosecute perpetrators of these crimes. This mission is guided by a vision of universal justice, where every victim has access to justice, and no perpetrator is above the law, regardless of their status or location.

A central goal of TRIAL International is to ensure that victims of serious crimes gain access to justice, a fundamental right often denied in conflict zones. In parallel, the organization works to strengthen the rule of law by supporting local judicial systems and training magistrates, lawyers, and NGO members to address international crimes. TRIAL actively promotes international legal standards, seeking to make prosecutions more systematic and accessible, to reduce impunity for these serious crimes.

Since its inception, TRIAL International has undertaken actions of significant scope. The organization began by helping victims document their cases and bring them before international courts, such as the European Court of Human Rights or the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to include supporting national jurisdictions in conflict-affected countries. TRIAL International now operates in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more recently Ukraine, where it documents crimes, prepares legal cases, and trains local actors on best practices in investigation and prosecution.

TRIAL International has also pioneered the use of universal jurisdiction, a legal principle allowing the prosecution of serious crimes regardless of where they were committed. In this respect, it has initiated several complaints in various countries against alleged war criminals and torturers who were present on their soil. This approach allows the organization to ensure that criminals cannot find refuge in third countries without fearing prosecution. TRIAL International is thus at the forefront of advocating for universal jurisdiction to be recognized and applied in practice, ensuring that no refuge is safe for perpetrators of international crimes.

In the coming years, TRIAL International plans to expand its intervention areas. In addition to its work in the DRC, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine, the organization is exploring new regions where justice is critically lacking for victims. The organization is also looking toward the future by adopting an approach centered on continuous training and empowering local practitionners. Through training, technical support, and partnerships with local civil society, TRIAL International supports the prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity, setting a lasting precedent for justice.

Finally, TRIAL International aims to intensify its awareness-raising of key stakeholders to secure increased support for the fight against impunity. This includes promoting universal jurisdiction, strengthening victim support mechanisms and access to reparation. Through these actions, the organization hopes to create an environment where victims’ rights are respected and perpetrators of atrocities are held accountable.

With more than two decades of experience, TRIAL International continues to play an essential role in the fight for justice, working to ensure that every victim has access to justice, and reparation. Thanks to the support of donors, partners, and committed volunteers, TRIAL International strives to build a world where impunity has no place.