What is the International Criminal Court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal created to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of international concern, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

The ICC was established by the Rome Statute in 1998 and officially began operating in 2002. It is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and is made up of 123 member states as of 2021.

The ICC is seen as a crucial tool for promoting accountability and justice on an international scale. It aims to prevent impunity for those who commit egregious crimes and to provide justice for victims.

The Court’s jurisdiction is limited to crimes committed after July 1, 2002, and it can only prosecute individuals, not states or organizations. Cases can be referred to the ICC by member states, the United Nations Security Council, or the ICC prosecutor.

The ICC operates on the principle of complementarity, meaning it can only intervene if a member state is unable or unwilling to prosecute the crimes itself. The Court strives to work alongside national legal systems rather than replace them.

Since its inception, the ICC has faced criticism and challenges, including accusations of bias, inefficiency, and lack of cooperation from member states. However, it continues to play a vital role in the fight against impunity and in promoting international justice.

Some prominent cases prosecuted by the ICC include those of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, former Congolese leader Thomas Lubanga, and former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo.

Overall, the International Criminal Court serves as a beacon of hope for victims of heinous crimes and as a deterrent for would-be perpetrators. It represents a commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law on a global scale.