The ICC in 3 minutes

Summary

The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 through the Rome Statute, offers victims of mass crimes, like genocide and war crimes, a path to justice when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute. The ICC is independent of the UN and prosecutes individuals for atrocities, aiming to prevent future crimes by holding perpetrators accountable. Operating through cooperation with states and international bodies, the ICC complements national judicial systems, ensuring a last-resort avenue for justice. Through its work, the ICC helps deter impunity and supports victims, reinforcing global accountability for heinous crimes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in 2002 by a treaty, not by the United Nations, though it cooperates with the UN.
• 😀 The ICC prosecutes individuals for four major crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and, after 2010, the crime of aggression.
• 😀 The ICC does not have retroactive jurisdiction and cannot address crimes committed before its establishment in July 2002.
• 😀 The court has jurisdiction in countries that are parties to the ICC's statute, or if crimes are committed by nationals of such countries, or if referred by the UN Security Council.
• 😀 The ICC operates as a court of last resort, only intervening when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute crimes genuinely.
• 😀 National courts are responsible for prosecuting crimes, and the ICC complements them by stepping in when necessary.
• 😀 The ICC works both in the courtroom and in the field, relying on international cooperation to make arrests, transfer suspects, and enforce sentences.
• 😀 The Rome Statute established three key bodies: the Court, the Trust Fund for Victims, and the Assembly of States Parties.
• 😀 The ICC is comprised of four main organs: the presidency, judicial divisions (pre-trial, trial, and appeals), the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Registry.
• 😀 The ICC aims to hold individuals accountable for atrocious crimes and prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

The primary goal of the ICC is to hold individuals accountable for committing atrocities such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, helping to prevent these crimes from happening in the future.

How was the ICC established?

The ICC was established by an international treaty signed in 1998, known as the Rome Statute. It officially took effect in 2002, creating an independent judicial body to prosecute individuals for certain international crimes.

What types of crimes does the ICC prosecute?

The ICC prosecutes individuals for four main types of crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and, since the 2010 amendments, the crime of aggression.

What are the limitations of the ICC's jurisdiction?

The ICC's jurisdiction is limited to crimes committed after its establishment in 2002. It can prosecute crimes in countries that are party to the Rome Statute or if the crimes are referred to the ICC by the UN Security Council.

Can the ICC prosecute a country or organization?

No, the ICC prosecutes individuals, not countries or organizations. It is focused on holding individuals accountable for international crimes.

What role do national courts play in the context of the ICC?

National courts have the primary responsibility to prosecute crimes. The ICC acts as a court of last resort, intervening only when a country is unwilling or unable to genuinely prosecute the crimes.

How does the ICC ensure cooperation from countries?

The ICC relies on cooperation from countries to execute its mandate, including making arrests, transferring suspects, freezing assets, and enforcing sentences. Countries are expected to assist the court in these matters.

What are the four organs of the ICC?

The four organs of the ICC are: the Presidency, the Judicial Divisions (comprising 18 judges), the Office of the Prosecutor, and the ICC Registry, which supports the court's operations.

How does the ICC differ from the United Nations?

While the ICC cooperates with the United Nations, it is an independent institution created by the Rome Statute, not by the UN. It operates autonomously to prosecute individuals for international crimes.

What is the role of the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC?

The Trust Fund for Victims provides financial and other forms of assistance to victims of the crimes prosecuted by the ICC, helping to ensure they receive support and redress for the harm they have suffered.