International Criminal Court (ICC)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal established in 2002 under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. – It prosecutes individuals for the most serious international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. |
| Objectives | – Ensure Accountability: Prosecute individuals responsible for grave international crimes. – Deter Future Crimes: Serve as a deterrent against serious offenses. – Promote Peace and Security: Contribute to conflict prevention through justice. – Support Victims: Provide justice and reparations to victims. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – The ICC has 124 member states as of December 2024. – Notable non-members include the United States, China, Russia, Myanmar, and Israel, citing concerns about potential politically motivated prosecutions. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Summarize the Court’s activities and developments. – Prosecutor’s Reports to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): Provide updates on cases referred by the Security Council. – Performance Indicators Reports: Assess efficiency and effectiveness. – Strategic Plans: Outline the Court’s priorities and strategies. – Registry Reports: Document victim participation, witness protection, and administrative support. – Judicial Divisions’ Reports: Summarize judicial activities and decisions. – Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) Reports: Detail prosecutorial strategies and cooperation efforts. – Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) Reports: Highlight victim assistance and reparations programs. – Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) Reports: Ensure accountability and transparency within the Court. – Assembly of States Parties (ASP) Reports: Records of ASP sessions and discussions. |
| Instruments | – Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court: Foundational treaty establishing the ICC. – Elements of Crimes: Detailed definitions of crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction. – Rules of Procedure and Evidence: Govern the conduct of proceedings. – Regulations of the Court: Guide administrative and functional operations. |
| Structure | – Presidency: Responsible for the overall administration of the Court. – Judicial Divisions: Comprising Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeals Divisions. – Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): Conducts investigations and prosecutions. – Registry: Provides administrative and operational support. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Trust Fund for Victims (TFV): Provides assistance and reparations to victims. – Office of Public Counsel for Victims and Defence (OPCV & OPCD): Offers legal support and representation. – Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM): Conducts inspections, evaluations, and investigations. |
| Committees | – Committee on Budget and Finance (CBF): Advises on financial matters. – Advisory Committee on Nominations (ACN): Evaluates judicial candidates’ qualifications. – Working Groups: Address specific issues, including Rome Statute amendments and state cooperation. |
| Initiatives | – Strategic Plan 2023-2025: Focuses on unity, responsiveness, and institutional improvement. – Review Mechanism: Enhances the Court’s performance and implements reforms. – Cooperation Agreements: Facilitates state and organizational partnerships for investigations and enforcement. – Victims’ Participation and Reparations: Ensures meaningful participation and reparations frameworks for victims. – Capacity Building: Supports national jurisdictions in prosecuting international crimes. – Outreach Programs: Promotes public understanding of ICC work through education and community engagement. – Policy on Children: Ensures protection and justice for children affected by crimes. – Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes: Strengthens investigations and prosecutions of these crimes. – Policy on Case Selection and Prioritization: Guides case focus and resource allocation. – Technology Enhancement Projects: Improves evidence analysis and operational efficiency. |
