understanding the international criminal court - icc
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Understanding the International Criminal Court
Understanding the International Criminal Court
Understanding the International Criminal Court
Table of Contents
I. The International Criminal Court at a glance 3
II. Structure of the ICC 9
III. Crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC 13
IV. How does the ICC operate? 17
A.Referrals,analysesandinvestigations 17 B.Arrests 19 C.Therightsofsuspects 23 D.Confirmationofchargesbeforetrial 25 E.Thetrial 27 F.Judgmentandsentence 31 G.Appealsandrevision 32
V. Victims’ Participation 35
VI. Witness Protection 39
VII. Further information about the ICC 43
Understanding the International Criminal Court 1
“(…) the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole must not go
unpunished (…)”
PreambletotheRomeStatuteoftheInternationalCriminalCourt
On17July1998,120StatesadoptedastatuteinRome-knownastheRomeStatuteoftheInternational
CriminalCourt(“theRomeStatute”)-establishingtheInternationalCriminalCourt.Forthefirsttime
inthehistoryofhumankind,Statesdecidedtoaccept the jurisdictionofapermanent international
criminalcourtfortheprosecutionoftheperpetratorsofthemostseriouscrimescommittedintheir
territoriesorbytheirnationalsaftertheentryintoforceoftheRomeStatuteon1July2002.
TheInternationalCriminalCourtisnotasubstitutefornationalcourts.AccordingtotheRomeStatute,
itisthedutyofeveryStatetoexerciseitscriminaljurisdictionoverthoseresponsibleforinternational
crimes. The International Criminal Court can only intervene where a State is unable or unwilling
genuinelytocarryouttheinvestigationandprosecutetheperpetrators.
Theprimarymissionof the InternationalCriminalCourt is tohelpputanend to impunity for the
perpetratorsofthemostseriouscrimesofconcerntotheinternationalcommunityasawhole,andthus
tocontributetothepreventionofsuchcrimes.
A well-informed public can contribute to guaranteeing lasting respect for and the enforcement
of international justice. The purpose of this booklet is to promote a better understanding of the
InternationalCriminalCourtbyprovidinganswerstothemostfrequentlyaskedquestionsaboutthe
Court.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 3
I. The International Criminal Court at a glance
1. What is the International Criminal Court?The International Criminal Court (“the ICC” or “the Court”) is a permanent international court
established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious
crimesofconcerntotheinternationalcommunityasawhole,namelythecrimeofgenocide,crimes
againsthumanity,warcrimesandthecrimeofaggression.
2. Why was the ICC established? Someofthemostheinouscrimeswerecommittedduringtheconflictswhichmarkedthetwentieth
century.Unfortunately,manyoftheseviolationsofinternationallawhaveremainedunpunished.The
NurembergandTokyotribunalswereestablishedinthewakeoftheSecondWorldWar.In1948,when
theConventiononthePreventionandPunishmentoftheCrimeofGenocidewasadopted,theUnited
NationsGeneralAssemblyrecognisedtheneedforapermanentinternationalcourttodealwiththe
kindsofatrocitieswhichhadjustbeenperpetrated.
The idea of a system of international criminal justice re-emerged after the end of the Cold War.
However,whilenegotiationsontheICCStatutewereunderwayattheUnitedNations,theworldwas
witnessingthecommissionofheinouscrimesintheterritoryoftheformerYugoslaviaandinRwanda.
Inresponsetotheseatrocities,theUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilestablishedanad hoctribunalfor
eachofthesesituations.
Theseeventsundoubtedlyhadamostsignificant impactonthedecisiontoconvenetheconference
whichestablishedtheICCinRomeinthesummerof1998.
3. What is the Rome Statute?On17July1998,aconferenceof160Statesestablishedthefirsttreaty-basedpermanentinternational
criminal court. The treaty adopted during that conference is known as the Rome Statute of the
InternationalCriminalCourt.Amongotherthings,itsetsoutthecrimesfallingwithinthejurisdiction
of the ICC, the rules of procedure and the mechanisms for States to cooperate with the ICC. The
countries which have accepted these rules are known as States Parties and are represented in the
AssemblyofStatesParties.
The Assembly of States Parties, which meets at least once a year, sets the general policies for the
administrationoftheCourtandreviewsitsactivities.Duringthosemeetings,theStatesPartiesreview
theactivitiesoftheworkinggroupsestablishedbytheStatesandanyotherissuesrelevanttotheICC,
discussnewprojectsandadopttheICC’sannualbudget.
4. How many countries have ratified the Rome Statute?Over120countriesareStatesPartiestotheRomeStatute,representingallregions:Africa,theAsia-
Pacific,EasternEurope,LatinAmericaandtheCaribbean,aswellasWesternEuropeanandNorth
America.
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5. Where is the seat of the Court? TheseatoftheCourtisinTheHagueintheNetherlands.TheRomeStatuteprovidesthattheCourt
maysitelsewherewheneverthejudgesconsideritdesirable.TheCourthasalsosetupofficesinthe
areaswhereitisconductinginvestigations.
6. How is the Court funded? The Court is funded by contributions from the States Parties and by voluntary contributions from
governments,internationalorganisations,individuals,corporationsandotherentities.
7. How does the ICC differ from other courts?The ICC isapermanentautonomouscourt,whereas thead hoc tribunals for the formerYugoslavia
andRwanda,aswellasothersimilarcourtsestablishedwithintheframeworkoftheUnitedNations
todealwith specific situationsonlyhavea limitedmandateand jurisdiction.The ICC,which tries
individuals, is also different from the International Court of Justice, which is the principal judicial
organoftheUnitedNationsforthesettlementofdisputesbetweenStates.Theadhoctribunalforthe
formerYugoslaviaandtheInternationalCourtofJusticealsohavetheirseatsinTheHague.
8. Is the ICC an office or agency of the United Nations?No.TheICCisanindependentbodywhosemissionistotryindividualsforcrimeswithinitsjurisdiction
withouttheneedforaspecialmandatefromtheUnitedNations.On4October2004,theICCandthe
UnitedNationssignedanagreementgoverningtheirinstitutionalrelationship.
9. Is the ICC meant to replace national courts?No.TheICCdoesnotreplacenationalcriminal justicesystems;rather, itcomplementsthem.Itcan
investigateand,wherewarranted,prosecuteandtryindividualsonlyiftheStateconcerneddoesnot,
cannotorisunwillinggenuinelytodoso.Thismightoccurwhereproceedingsareundulydelayedor
areintendedtoshieldindividualsfromtheircriminalresponsibility.Thisisknownastheprincipleof
complementarity,underwhichpriorityisgiventonationalsystems.Statesretainprimaryresponsibility
fortryingtheperpetratorsofthemostseriousofcrimes.
10. Under what conditions does the ICC exercise its jurisdiction?WhenaStatebecomesapartytotheRomeStatute,itagreestosubmititselftothejurisdictionofthe
ICC with respect to the crimes enumerated in the Statute. The Court may exercise its jurisdiction
in situations where the alleged perpetrator is a national of a State Party or where the crime was
committedintheterritoryofaStateParty.Also,aStatenotpartytotheStatutemaydecidetoaccept
the jurisdictionof theICC.TheseconditionsdonotapplywhentheSecurityCouncil,actingunder
ChapterVIIoftheUnitedNationsCharter,refersasituationtotheOfficeoftheProsecutor.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 5
11. Is the ICC’s jurisdiction time bound?TheICChas jurisdictiononlywithrespecttoeventswhichoccurredaftertheentryintoforceof its
Statuteon1July2002. IfaStatebecomesapartytotheStatuteafter itsentry intoforce, theCourt
mayexercise its jurisdictiononlywithrespect tocrimescommittedafter theentry into forceof the
StatuteforthatState,unlessthatStatehasmadeadeclarationacceptingthejurisdictionoftheICC
retroactively.However,theCourtcannotexercisejurisdictionwithrespecttoeventswhichoccurred
before1July2002.ForanewStateParty,theStatuteentersintoforceonthefirstdayofthemonthafter
the60thdayfollowingthedateofthedepositofitsinstrumentofratification,acceptance,approvalor
accession.
12. Who can be prosecuted before the ICC?TheICCprosecutesindividuals,notgroupsorStates.Anyindividualwhoisallegedtohavecommitted
crimeswithin the jurisdictionof the ICCmaybebroughtbefore the ICC. In fact, theOfficeof the
Prosecutor’sprosecutorialpolicy is to focuson thosewho,having regard to theevidencegathered,
bearthegreatestresponsibilityforthecrimes,anddoesnottakeintoaccountanyofficialpositionthat
maybeheldbytheallegedperpetrators.
13. Can the ICC try children? No.TheCourthasnojurisdictionwithrespecttoanypersonwhowasundertheageof18whenthe
crimesconcernedwerecommitted.
14. If those who bear the greatest responsibility hold high political or military office, are they not exempt from prosecution? Can they not be granted immunity or amnesty? Nooneisexemptfromprosecutionbecauseofhisorhercurrentfunctionsorbecauseoftheposition
heorsheheldatthetimethecrimesconcernedwerecommitted.
ActingasaHeadofStateorGovernment,ministerorparliamentariandoesnotexemptanyonefrom
criminalresponsibilitybeforetheICC.
Insomecircumstances,apersoninapositionofauthoritymayevenbeheldresponsibleforcrimes
committedbythoseactingunderhisorhercommandororders.
Likewise,amnestycannotbeusedasadefencebeforetheICC.Assuch,itcannotbartheCourtfrom
exercisingitsjurisdiction.
15. If the ICC issues an arrest warrant against a current or former head of state, is it for political reasons? No.TheICCisajudicialinstitutionwithanexclusivelyjudicialmandate.Itisnotsubjecttopolitical
control.Asanindependentcourt,itsdecisionsarebasedonlegalcriteriaandrenderedbyimpartial
judgesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofitsfoundingtreaty,theRomeStatute,andotherlegaltexts
governingtheworkoftheCourt.
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16. There are allegations that the ICC is only targeting African countries. Is that true?No.TheICCisconcernedwithcountriesthathaveacceptedtheCourt’sjurisdictionandthesearein
allcontinents.
African countries made great contributions to the establishment of the Court and influenced the
decisiontohaveanindependentOfficeoftheProsecutor.In1997,theSouthernAfricanDevelopment
Community (SADC) was very active in supporting the proposed Court and its declaration on the
matterwasendorsedinFebruary1998,bytheparticipantsoftheAfricanConferencemeetinginDakar,
Senegal,throughthe“DeclarationontheEstablishmentoftheInternationalCriminalCourt”.Atthe
RomeConferenceitself, themostmeaningfuldeclarationsabouttheCourtweremadebyAfricans.
WithoutAfricansupporttheRomeStatutemightneverhavebeenadopted.Infact,Africaisthemost
heavily represented region in theCourt’smembership.The trustandsupportcomesnotonly from
the governments, but also from civil society organisations. The Court has also benefited from the
professionalexperienceofAfricansandanumberofAfricansoccupyhigh-levelpositionsinallorgans
oftheCourt.
ThemajorityofICCinvestigationswereopenedattherequestoforafterconsultationwithAfrican
governments.OtherinvestigationswereopenedfollowingareferralbytheUnitedNationsSecurity
Council,whereAfricangovernmentsarealsorepresented.
Finally, in addition to its formal investigations, the Court’s Office of the Prosecutor is conducting
preliminaryexaminationsinanumberofcountriesacrossfourcontinents.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 7
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Structure of the Court: Four Organs
PresidencyHeadoftheCourt
Office of the ProsecutorConducting
investigationsandprosecutions
ChambersEnsuringfairtrials
RegistrySupportingtheCourt
Understanding the International Criminal Court 9
II. Structure of the ICC
TheICCiscomposedoffourorgans:thePresidency,theChambers,theOfficeoftheProsecutorand
theRegistry.Eachoftheseorganshasaspecificroleandmandate.
17. What does the Presidency do?ThePresidencyconsistsofthreejudges(thePresidentandtwoVice-Presidents)electedbyanabsolute
majorityofthe18judgesoftheCourtforamaximumoftwo,three-yearterms.
ThePresidency is responsible for theadministrationof theCourt,with theexceptionof theOffice
oftheProsecutor.ItrepresentstheCourttotheoutsideworldandhelpswiththeorganisationofthe
workofthejudges.ThePresidencyisalsoresponsibleforcarryingoutothertasks,suchasensuring
theenforcementofsentencesimposedbytheCourt.
18. What do the Chambers do?The18judges,includingthethreejudgesofthePresidency,areassignedtotheCourt’sthreejudicial
divisions:thePre-TrialDivision(composedofsevenjudges),theTrialDivision(composedofsixjudges),
andtheAppealsDivision(composedoffivejudges).TheyareassignedtothefollowingChambers:the
Pre-TrialChambers(eachcomposedofoneorthreejudges),theTrialChambers(eachcomposedof
three judges)andtheAppealsChamber(composedofthefivejudgesoftheAppealsDivision).The
rolesandresponsibilitiesofthejudgesareoutlinedbelow,bycategoryofPre-Trial,Trial,andAppeals
Chambers.
19. How are the judges elected?Thejudgesarepersonsofhighmoralcharacter,impartialityandintegritywhopossessthequalifications
requiredintheirrespectiveStatesforappointmenttothehighestjudicialoffices.Allhaveextensive
experiencerelevanttotheCourt’sjudicialactivity.
ThejudgesareelectedbytheAssemblyofStatesPartiesonthebasisoftheirestablishedcompetence
in criminal law and procedure and in relevant areas of international law such as international
humanitarianlawandthelawofhumanrights.Theyhaveextensiveexpertiseonspecificissues,such
asviolenceagainstwomenorchildren.
The election of the judges takes into account the need for the representation of the principal legal
systemsoftheworld,afairrepresentationofmenandwomen,andequitablegeographicaldistribution.
Thejudgesensurethefairnessofproceedingsandtheproperadministrationofjustice.
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20. What is the role of the Pre-Trial Chambers?ThePre-TrialChambers,eachofwhichiscomposedofeitheroneorthreejudges,resolveallissueswhich
arisebeforethetrialphasebegins.TheirroleisessentiallytosupervisehowtheOfficeoftheProsecutor
carriesoutitsinvestigatoryandprosecutorialactivities,toguaranteetherightsofsuspects,victimsand
witnessesduringtheinvestigatoryphase,andtoensuretheintegrityoftheproceedings.ThePre-Trial
ChambersthendecidewhetherornottoissuewarrantsofarrestorsummonstoappearattheOfficeof
theProsecutor’srequestandwhetherornottoconfirmthechargesagainstapersonsuspectedofacrime.
Theymayalsodecideontheadmissibilityofsituationsandcasesandontheparticipationofvictimsat
thepre-trialstage.
21. What is the role of the Trial Chambers?Onceanarrestwarrantisissued,theallegedperpetratorarrestedandthechargesconfirmedbyaPre-
TrialChamber,thePresidencyconstitutesaTrialChambercomposedofthreejudgestotrythecase.
ATrialChamber’sprimaryfunctionistoensurethattrialsarefairandexpeditiousandareconducted
withfullrespectfortherightsoftheaccusedanddueregardfortheprotectionofthevictimsandthe
witnesses.Italsorulesontheparticipationofvictimsatthetrialstage.
TheTrialChamberdetermineswhetheranaccusedisinnocentorguiltyofthechargesand,ifheorshe
isfoundguilty,mayimposeasentenceofimprisonmentforaspecifiednumberofyearsnotexceeding
amaximumof thirty yearsor life imprisonment. Financialpenaltiesmayalsobe imposed.ATrial
Chambermaythusorderaconvictedpersontomakereparationsfortheharmsufferedbythevictims,
includingcompensation,restitutionorrehabilitation.
22. What are the main functions of the Appeals Chamber?TheAppealsChamber iscomposedofthePresidentoftheCourtandfourother judges.Allparties
to the trial may appeal or seek leave to appeal decisions of the Pre-Trial and Trial Chambers. The
AppealsChambermayuphold,reverseoramendthedecisionappealedfrom,includingjudgmentsand
sentencingdecisions,andmayevenorderanewtrialbeforeadifferentTrialChamber.
Itmayalsoreviseafinaljudgmentofconvictionorsentence.
23. What does the Office of the Prosecutor do?TheOfficeoftheProsecutorisanindependentorganoftheCourt.Itsmandateistoreceiveandanalyse
informationonsituationsorallegedcrimeswithinthejurisdictionoftheICC,toanalysesituations
referredtoitinordertodeterminewhetherthereisareasonablebasistoinitiateaninvestigationinto
acrimeofgenocide,crimesagainsthumanity,warcrimesorthecrimeofaggression,andtobringthe
perpetratorsofthesecrimesbeforetheCourt.
In order to fulfil its mandate, the Office of the Prosecutor is composed of three divisions: (i) the
InvestigationDivision,which is responsible for conducting investigations (includinggatheringand
examiningevidence,questioningpersonsunder investigationaswell asvictimsandwitnesses). In
Understanding the International Criminal Court 11
thisrespect,forthepurposeofestablishingthetruth,theStatuterequirestheOfficeoftheProsecutor
toinvestigateincriminatingandexoneratingcircumstancesequally.(ii)TheProsecutionDivisionhas
aroleintheinvestigativeprocess,butitsprincipalresponsibilityislitigatingcasesbeforethevarious
ChambersoftheCourt.(iii)TheJurisdiction,ComplementarityandCooperationDivision,which,with
thesupportoftheInvestigationDivision,assessesinformationreceivedandsituationsreferredtothe
Court,analysessituationsandcasestodeterminetheiradmissibilityandhelpssecurethecooperation
requiredbytheOfficeoftheProsecutorinordertofulfilitsmandate.
24. What does the Registry do?The Registry helps the Court to conduct fair, impartial and public trials. The core function of the
RegistryistoprovideadministrativeandoperationalsupporttotheChambersandtheOfficeofthe
Prosecutor. Italsosupports theRegistrar’sactivities in relation todefence,victims,communication
andsecuritymatters.ItensuresthattheCourtisproperlyservicedanddevelopseffectivemechanisms
for assisting victims, witnesses and the defence in order to safeguard their rights under the Rome
StatuteandtheRulesofProcedureandEvidence.
AstheCourt’sofficialchannelofcommunication,theRegistryalsohasprimaryresponsibilityforthe
ICC’spublicinformationandoutreachactivities.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 13
III. Crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC
25. Which crimes fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC?ThemandateoftheCourtistotryindividuals(ratherthanStates),andtoholdsuchpersonsaccountable
forthemostseriouscrimesofconcerntotheinternationalcommunityasawhole,namelythecrimeof
genocide,warcrimes,crimesagainsthumanity,andthecrimeofaggression,whentheconditionsfor
theexerciseoftheCourt’sjurisdictionoverthelatterarefulfilled.
26. What is genocide?AccordingtotheRomeStatute,“genocide”meansanyofthefollowingactscommittedwiththeintent
todestroy,inwholeorinpart,anational,ethnical,racialorreligiousgroup:
• killingmembersofthegroup;
• causingseriousbodilyormentalharmtomembersofthegroup;
• deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its
physicaldestructioninwholeorinpart;
• imposingmeasuresintendedtopreventbirthswithinthegroup;
• forciblytransferringchildrenofthegrouptoanothergroup.
27. What are crimes against humanity? “Crimesagainsthumanity” includeanyofthefollowingactscommittedaspartofawidespreador
systematicattackdirectedagainstanycivilianpopulation,withknowledgeoftheattack:
• murder;
• extermination;
• enslavement;
• deportationorforcibletransferofpopulation;
• imprisonment;
• torture;
• rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization,
oranyotherformofsexualviolenceofcomparablegravity;
• persecution against an identifiable group on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural,
religiousorgendergrounds;
• enforceddisappearanceofpersons;
• thecrimeofapartheid;
• other inhumane acts of a similar character intentionally causing great suffering or
seriousbodilyormentalinjury.
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28. What are war crimes?“Warcrimes”includegravebreachesoftheGenevaConventionsandotherseriousviolationsofthe
lawsandcustomsapplicableininternationalarmedconflictandinconflicts“notofaninternational
character”listedintheRomeStatute,whentheyarecommittedaspartofaplanorpolicyoronalarge
scale.Theseprohibitedactsinclude:
• murder;
• mutilation,crueltreatmentandtorture;
• takingofhostages;
• intentionallydirectingattacksagainstthecivilianpopulation;
• intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art,
scienceorcharitablepurposes,historicalmonumentsorhospitals;
• pillaging;
• rape,sexualslavery,forcedpregnancyoranyotherformofsexualviolence;
• conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years into armed forces or
groupsorusingthemtoparticipateactivelyinhostilities.
29. What is a crime of aggression?AsadoptedbytheAssemblyofStatesPartiesduringtheReviewConferenceoftheRomeStatute,held
inKampala(Uganda)between31Mayand11June2010,a“crimeofaggression”meanstheplanning,
preparation,initiationorexecutionofanactofusingarmedforcebyaStateagainstthesovereignty,
territorialintegrityorpoliticalindependenceofanotherState.
Theactofaggressionincludes,amongotherthings,invasion,militaryoccupation,andannexationby
theuseofforce,blockadeoftheportsorcoasts,ifitisconsideredbeing,byitscharacter,gravityand
scale,amanifestviolationoftheCharteroftheUnitedNations.
Theperpetratoroftheactofaggressionisapersonwhoisinapositioneffectivelytoexercisecontrol
overortodirectthepoliticalormilitaryactionofaState.
30. When will the Court have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression?TheCourtmayexercise jurisdictionover thecrimeofaggression, subject toadecision tobe taken
after1 January2017bya two-thirdsmajorityofStatesPartiesandsubject to the ratificationof the
amendmentconcerningthiscrimebyatleast30StatesParties.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 15
31. Under which conditions would the Court be able to exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression?The Court will be able to exercise jurisdiction over a crime of aggression, arising from an act of
aggressioncommittedbyaStateParty,unlessthatStatePartyhaspreviouslydeclaredthatitdoesnot
acceptsuchjurisdiction.
ExceptwhenthesituationisreferredtotheCourtbytheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncil,theCourt
hasnojurisdictionovercrimesofaggressioncommittedintheterritoryofaStatewhichisnotpartyto
theRomeStatuteorbyitscitizens.
TheCourtwillhave jurisdictiononlyovercrimesofaggressioncommittedoneyearafter30States
PartiesratifyoraccepttheamendmentsoftheRomeStatuteinrelationwiththecrimeofaggression,
whichwereadoptedbytheAssemblyofStatesPartiesinJune2010.
32. How would an investigation into a crime of aggression be opened?IftheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncildeterminesthatanactofaggressionhasbeencommitted,the
ICCProsecutorcandecidetoopenaninvestigation,undertheconditionsmentionedabove.
Otherwise,theProsecutionmayexaminethesituationand,basedonitsassessment,maynotifythe
UnitedNationsSecretaryGeneralofthesituation.
If,withinsixmonthsofbeingnotifiedbytheProsecution,theUnitedNationsSecurityCouncildoes
notmakeadeterminationonwhetherornotanactofaggressionhasbeencommitted,theProsecutor
maystillproceedwithaninvestigationintoacrimeofaggression,subjecttoauthorisationbytheICC’s
Pre-TrialDivision.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 17
IV. How does the ICC operate?
A. Referrals, analyses and investigations
33. How do cases come before the Court?Any State Party to the Rome Statute can request the Office of the Prosecutor to carry out an
investigation.AStatenotpartytotheStatutecanalsoacceptthejurisdictionoftheICCwithrespectto
crimescommittedinitsterritoryorbyoneofitsnationals,andrequesttheOfficeoftheProsecutorto
carryoutaninvestigation.TheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilmayalsoreferasituationtotheCourt.
34. Can the Prosecutor decide on his own initiative to open an investigation?Yes,iftheOfficeoftheProsecutorreceivesreliableinformationaboutcrimesinvolvingnationalsofa
StatePartyorofaStatewhichhasacceptedthejurisdictionoftheICC,oraboutcrimescommittedinthe
territoryofsuchaState,andconcludesthatthereisareasonablebasistoproceedwithaninvestigation.
Such information can be provided by individuals, intergovernmental or non-governmental
organisations,oranyotherreliablesources.TheProsecutionmust,however,obtainpermissionfrom
thePre-TrialChamberjudgesbeforeinitiatinganinvestigationundersuchcircumstances.
35. What happens when a situation is referred to the ICC for investigation? The Prosecutor determines whether, in his or her opinion, the Court has jurisdiction with respect
to the alleged crimes. Following a thorough analysis of the available information, the Prosecution
decideswhetherthereisareasonablebasistoproceedwithaninvestigation.Thus,itmustestablish
whetherthecrimeofgenocide,crimesagainsthumanityorwarcrimesmayhavebeencommittedand,
ifso,whethertheywerecommittedafter1July2002.TheProsecutionmustalsoascertainwhether
anynationalauthoritiesareconductingagenuineinvestigationortrialoftheallegedperpetratorsof
thecrimes.Lastly,itmustnotifytheStatesPartiesandotherStateswhichmayhavejurisdictionofits
intentiontoinitiateaninvestigation.
36. How is an investigation conducted?The Office of the Prosecutor sends its investigators to collect evidence in areas where crimes are
allegedtohavebeencommitted.Theinvestigatorsmustbecarefulnottocreateanyrisktothevictims
andwitnesses.TheOfficeoftheProsecutoralsorequeststhecooperationandassistanceofStatesand
internationalorganisations.Theinvestigatorslookforevidenceofasuspect’sguiltorinnocence.
37. Will the ICC prosecute all persons suspected of committing the most serious crimes? No.TheCourtwillnotbeable tobring to justice everyperson suspectedof committing crimesof
concerntotheinternationalcommunity.TheprosecutorialpolicyoftheOfficeoftheProsecutoristo
focusitsinvestigationsandprosecutionsonthosewho,havingregardtotheevidencegathered,bear
thegreatestresponsibilityforsuchcrimes.
38. Can other courts try the perpetrators that the ICC does not prosecute? Undertheprincipleofcomplementarity,nationaljudicialsystemsretaintheirresponsibilityfortrying
perpetratorsofcrimes.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 19
B. Arrests
39. Who has the power to issue a warrant of arrest or a summons to appear?Aftertheinitiationofaninvestigation,onlyaPre-TrialChambermay,attherequestoftheProsecution,
issueawarrantofarrestor summons toappear if thereare reasonablegrounds tobelieve that the
personconcernedhascommittedacrimewithintheICC’sjurisdiction.
40. What information do the judges need from the Prosecution before they can issue a warrant of arrest or a summons to appear?When the Prosecution requests the issuance of a warrant of arrest or summons to appear, it must
providethejudgeswiththefollowinginformation:
• thenameoftheperson;
• adescriptionofthecrimesthepersonisbelievedtohavecommitted;
• aconcisesummaryofthefacts(theactsallegedtobecrimes);
• asummaryoftheevidenceagainsttheperson;
• thereasonswhytheProsecutionbelievesthatitisnecessarytoarresttheperson.
41. What reasons may justify the issuing of a warrant of arrest?Thejudgeswillissueawarrantofarrestifitappearsnecessarytoensurethatthepersonwillactually
appearattrial,thatheorshewillnotobstructorendangertheinvestigationortheCourt’sproceedings,
ortopreventthepersonfromcontinuingtocommitcrimes.
42. What happens after a warrant of arrest is issued?TheRegistrartransmitsrequestsforcooperationseekingthearrestandsurrenderofthesuspecttothe
relevantStateortootherStates,dependingonthedecisionofthejudgesineachcase.
OncethepersonisarrestedandtheCourtissoinformed,theCourtensuresthatthepersonreceivesa
copyofthewarrantofarrestinalanguagewhichheorshefullyunderstandsandspeaks.
43. Does the ICC have the power to arrest suspects?TheCourtdoesnothave itsownpolice force.Accordingly, it reliesonStateco-operation,which is
essentialtothearrestandsurrenderofsuspects.
AccordingtotheRomeStatute,StatesPartiesshallcooperatefullywiththeCourtinitsinvestigation
andprosecutionofcrimeswithinthejurisdictionoftheCourt.
44. Who has to execute the warrants of arrest?TheresponsibilitytoenforcewarrantsofarrestinallcasesremainswithStates.InestablishingtheICC,
theStatessetupasystembasedontwopillars.TheCourtitselfisthejudicialpillar.Theoperational
pillarbelongstoStates,includingtheenforcementofCourt’sorders.
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StatesPartiestotheRomeStatutehavealegalobligationtocooperatefullywiththeICC.WhenaState
Partyfailstocomplywitharequesttocooperate,theCourtmaymakeafindingtothateffectandrefer
thematterforfurtheractiontotheAssemblyofStatesParties.
WhentheCourt’sjurisdictionistriggeredbytheSecurityCouncil,thedutytocooperateextendstoall
UNMemberStates,regardlessofwhetherornottheyareaPartytotheStatute.Thecrimeswithinthe
jurisdictionoftheCourtarethegravestcrimesknowntohumanityandasprovidedforbyarticle29of
theStatutetheyshallnotbesubjecttoanystatuteoflimitations.Warrantsofarrestarelifetimeorders
andthereforeindividualsstillatlargewillsoonerorlaterfacetheCourt.
45. What happens after a person is arrested?AnarrestedpersonisbroughtpromptlybeforethecompetentjudicialauthorityinthecustodialState,
which determines whether the warrant is indeed for the arrested person, whether the person was
arrestedconsistentlywithdueprocessandwhethertheperson’srightshavebeenrespected.Oncean
orderforsurrenderisissued,thepersonisdeliveredtotheCourt,andheldattheDetentionCentrein
TheHague,TheNetherlands.
46. What are the conditions of detention at the Detention Centre in The Hague?The ICC Detention Centre operates in conformity with the highest international human rights
standards for the treatment of detainees, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules.
AnindependentinspectingauthorityconductsregularandunannouncedinspectionsoftheCentrein
ordertoexaminehowdetaineesarebeingheldandtreated.
AttheICCDetentionCentre,thedailyscheduleaffordsthedetaineestheopportunitytotakewalks
inthecourtyard,exercise,receivemedicalcare,takepartinmanualactivitiesandhaveaccesstothe
facilitiesattheirdisposalforthepreparationoftheirdefence.Additionally,thecentrehasmultimedia
facilitiesandoffersaseriesoftraining,leisureandsportsprogrammes.ICCdetaineesalsohaveaccess
tocomputers,TV,booksandmagazines.ThosewhoareindigenthavetherighttocalltheirDefence
Counselfreeofchargeduringofficialworkinghours.Each10m2cellisdesignedtoholdoneperson
only.Astandardcellcontainsabed,desk,shelving,acupboard,toilet,handbasin,TVandanintercom
systemtocontacttheguardswhenthecellislocked.
TheCourtprovidesthreemealsperday,butthedetaineesalsohaveaccesstoacommunalkitchenif
theywishtocook.Ashoppinglist isalsoavailabletodetaineessothattheycanprocureadditional
items,totheextentpossible.
Alldetaineesmaybevisitedbytheirfamiliesseveraltimesayearand,inthecaseofdetaineesdeclared
indigent,attheCourt’sexpense,totheextentpossible.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 21
PersonsconvictedofcrimesunderthejurisdictionoftheICCdonotservetheirsentenceattheICC
DetentionCentreinTheHagueasthefacilityisnotdesignedforlong-termimprisonment.Convicted
personsare therefore transferredtoaprisonoutsideTheNetherlands, inaStatedesignatedbythe
CourtfromalistofStateswhichhaveindicatedtheirwillingnesstoallowconvictedpersonstoserve
theirsentencethere.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 23
C. The rights of suspects
47. Are detainees deemed to have been convicted by virtue of their transfer to the Court?No.EveryoneispresumedinnocentuntilprovenguiltybeforetheCourt.TheProsecutionmustprove
theguiltofthesuspectandaTrialChamberwillconvictsomeoneonlyifitissatisfiedthatthecharges
havebeenprovenbeyondreasonabledoubt.
48. What rights do suspects have? Suspectsarepresumedinnocent.Theyarepresentinthecourtroomduringthetrial,andtheyhavea
righttoapublic,fairandimpartialhearingoftheircase.Tothisend,aseriesofguaranteesaresetout
intheCourt’slegaldocuments,includingthefollowingrights,tomentionbutafew:
• to be defended by the counsel (lawyer) of their choice, present evidence and witnesses
oftheirownandtousealanguagewhichtheyfullyunderstandandspeak;
• to be informed in detail of the charges in a language which they fully understand and
speak;
• to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of the defence and to
communicatefreelyandinconfidencewithcounsel;
• tobetriedwithoutunduedelay;
• not to be compelled to testify or to confess guilt and to remain silent, without such
silencebeingaconsiderationinthedeterminationofguiltorinnocence;
• to have the Prosecution disclose to the defence evidence in its possession or control which it
believes shows or tends to show the innocence of the accused, or to mitigate the guilt of the
accused,orwhichmayaffectthecredibilityoftheProsecution’sevidence.
49. What happens if a suspect does not have the means to pay for legal assistance?Suspectshavetherighttolegalassistanceinanycasewheretheinterestsofjusticesorequireand,if
thesuspectdoesnothavethemeanstopayforit,tolegalassistanceassignedbytheCourt.
50. Can detainees obtain interim release pending trial? Alldetaineesareentitledtoapplyforinterimreleasependingtrial.Intheeventofrejection,thedecision
isperiodicallyreviewedbythecompetentchamber,atleastevery120days,andmaybereviewedatany
timeattherequestofthedetainedpersonortheProsecution.
51. What is the role of the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence (OPCD)?The OPCD promotes, represents and researches the rights of the defence, raises the profile of
substantivedefenceissues,andendeavourstoachieveequalityofarmsforthedefenceatallstagesof
aninvestigationandtrial.
TheOfficeisindependentintermsofitssubstantivefunctions,butfallswithintheremitoftheRegistry
solelyforadministrativepurposes.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 25
D. Confirmation of charges before trial
52. Do suspects appear before the Court as soon as they arrive in The Hague?Yes. The suspect’s first appearance before the Court takes place shortly after his or her arrival in
TheHague.Duringthefirstappearance,thePre-TrialChamberconfirmstheidentityofthesuspect,
ensuresthatthesuspectunderstandsthecharges,confirmsthatlanguageinwhichtheproceedings
shouldbeconducted,andsetsadatetobegintheconfirmationofchargeshearing.
Attheconfirmationofchargeshearing–whichisnotatrial,butapre-trialhearing–theProsecution
mustpresentsufficientevidence for thecase togo to trial.Thesuspect’sdefencemayobject to the
charges,challengetheProsecution’sevidenceandalsopresentevidence.
The confirmation of charges hearing is held in the presence of the Prosecution, the person being
prosecuted,andhisorhercounsel,aswellastherepresentativeofthevictims.Asprovidedbyarticle
61oftheStatute,thesuspectcanwaivehisorherrighttobepresentatthishearing.
53. What decisions can a Pre-Trial Chamber issue following a confirmation of charges hearing? Followingaconfirmationofchargeshearing,aPre-TrialChambermay:
• declinetoconfirmthecharges;suchadecisiondoesnotpreventtheProsecutionfrompresenting
asubsequentrequestforconfirmationofthechargesonthebasisofadditionalevidence;
• adjourn the hearing and request the Prosecution to consider providing further evidence or
conductingfurtherinvestigation,oramendingthechargesbecausetheavailableevidenceshows
thatadifferentcrimewascommitted;
• confirm the charges and commit the case for trial; upon confirmation, the Presidency
of the Court constitutes a Trial Chamber responsible for the subsequent phase of the
proceedings:thetrial.
54. Does the confirmation of charges prejudge the suspect’s guilt?No. The purpose of the confirmation hearing is to safeguard the rights of suspects by preventing
proceedingswithinsufficientlegalbasisfrombeingbroughtagainstthem.Inthepre-trialphase,the
Prosecutionmustsupporteachofthechargeswithsufficientevidencetoestablishsubstantialgrounds
tobelievethatthepersoncommittedthecrimescharged.Ifoneormorechargeisconfirmed,thecase
iscommittedtotrialbeforeaTrialChamber.
55. What happens after the confirmation of charges? After the confirmation of charges, the Pre-Trial Chamber commits the case for trial before a Trial
Chamber,whichwillconductthesubsequentphaseoftheproceedings:thetrial.
Before the commencement of the trial, the judges of the Trial Chamber consider procedural issues
thatmaybesubmitted to themby thepartiesandholdhearings toprepare for trialand to resolve
proceduralmattersinordertofacilitatethefairandexpeditiousconductoftheproceedings.
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Understanding the International Criminal Court 27
E. The trial
56. Where does the trial take place?Trials takes place at the seat of the Court in The Hague, unless the judges decide to hole the trial
elsewhere.Thisissuehasbeenraisedinseveralcases.Theaccusedmustbepresentathisorhertrial,
which is held in public, unless the Chamber determines that certain proceedings be conducted in
closedsessioninordertoprotectthesafetyofvictimsandwitnessesortheconfidentialityofsensitive
evidentiarymaterial.
57. What happens at the commencement of the trial?Atthecommencementofthetrial,theTrialChambercausesthechargesagainsttheaccusedtoberead
outtohimorherandaskswhetherheorsheunderstandsthem.TheChamberthenaskstheaccused
tomakeanadmissionofguiltortopleadnotguilty.
58. What happens if the accused makes an admission of guilt?First, theTrialChamberensures that theaccusedunderstands thenatureandconsequencesof the
admissionofguilt,thattheadmissionisvoluntarilymadebytheaccusedaftersufficientconsultation
withhisorher lawyerandthattheadmissionofguilt issupportedbythefactsofthecasethatare
containedintheevidenceandchargesbroughtbytheProsecutionandadmittedbytheaccused.Where
theTrialChamberissatisfiedthattheseconditionshavebeenmet,itmayconvicttheaccusedofthe
crimecharged.Ifitisnotsatisfiedthattheconditionshavebeenmet,theChambershallconsiderthe
admissionofguiltasnothavingbeenmade,inwhichcaseitshallorderthatthetrialbecontinued.
59. How is the trial conducted? Attrial,theProsecutionandCounselfortheDefencehavetheopportunitytopresenttheircase.The
ProsecutionmustpresentevidencetotheCourttoprovethattheaccusedpersonisguiltybeyondall
reasonabledoubt.Thisevidencemaybeintheformofdocuments,othertangibleobjects,orwitness
statements.TheProsecutionmustalsodisclosetotheaccusedanyevidencewhichmayshowthathe
orsheisinnocent.
TheProsecutionpresentsitscasefirstandcallswitnessestotestify.WhentheProsecutionhasfinished
examiningeachwitness, theCounsel for theDefence isgiventheopportunity toalsoexaminethe
witness.
OncetheProsecutionhaspresentedallitsevidence,itistheturnoftheaccused,withtheassistanceof
hisorhercounsel,topresenthisorherdefence.
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60. Who can present evidence?Allpartiestothetrialmaypresentevidencerelevanttothecase.Everyoneispresumedinnocentuntil
provenguiltyaccordingtolaw.TheProsecutionhastheburdenofprovingthattheaccusedisguilty
beyondallreasonabledoubt.TheaccusedhastherighttoexaminetheProsecution’switnesses,andto
callandexaminewitnessesonhisorherownbehalfunderthesameconditionsastheProsecution’s
witnesses.
Whenthepersonalinterestsofvictimsareaffected,theCourtallowstheirviewsandconcernstobe
presentedandconsideredatstagesoftheproceedingsdeterminedtobeappropriatebytheCourtand
inamannerwhichisnotprejudicialtoorinconsistentwiththerightsoftheaccusedandafairand
impartialtrial.Theirviewsandconcernsmaybepresentedbytheirlegalrepresentatives.
Inajudgmentrenderedon11July2008,theAppealsChambergrantedvictimstherighttoleadevidence
pertainingtotheguiltorinnocenceoftheaccusedandtochallengetheadmissibilityorrelevanceof
evidence,althoughthisrightliesprimarilywiththeparties,namelytheProsecutionandtheDefence.
Thisrightissubjecttostringentconditions,namelyprovingthatthevictimshaveapersonalinterest
indoingso,andtotherequest’sconsistencywiththerightsofthedefenceandtherequirementsofa
fairtrial.Victimsmustalsocomplywithdisclosureobligations,notifytherequesttotheparties,and
complywiththeCourt’sordersontheprotectionofcertainpersons.Lastly,theappropriatenessofthe
victims’requestissubjecttothejudges’assessment.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 29
30
Understanding the International Criminal Court 31
F. Judgment and sentence
Oncethepartieshavepresentedtheirevidence,theProsecutionandtheDefenceareinvitedtomake
theirclosingstatements.TheDefencealwayshastheopportunitytospeaklast.Thejudgesmayorder
reparationstovictims,includingrestitution,compensationandrehabilitation.Tothisend,theymay
makeanorderdirectlyagainstaconvictedperson.
61. When is the sentence pronounced by the Court?AfterhearingthevictimsandthewitnessescalledtotestifybytheProsecutionandtheDefenceand
consideringtheevidence,thejudgesdecidewhethertheaccusedpersonisguiltyornotguilty.
The sentence is pronounced in public and, wherever possible, in the presence of the accused, and
victimsortheirlegalrepresentatives,iftheyhavetakenpartintheproceedings.
62. What penalties may be imposed by the Court?Thejudgesmayimposeaprisonsentence,towhichmaybeaddedafineorforfeitureoftheproceeds,
propertyandassetsderiveddirectlyorindirectlyfromthecrimecommitted.TheCourtcannotimpose
a death sentence. The maximum sentence is 30 years. However, in extreme cases, the Court may
imposeatermoflifeimprisonment.
63. Where are the sentences served?ConvictedpersonsservetheirprisonsentencesinaStatedesignatedbytheCourtfromalistofStates
whichhaveindicatedtotheCourttheirwillingnesstoacceptconvictedpersons.
Theconditionsof imprisonmentaregovernedbythe lawsof theStateofenforcementandmustbe
consistentwithwidelyacceptedinternationaltreatystandardsgoverningthetreatmentofprisoners.
Such conditions may not be more or less favourable than those available to prisoners convicted of
similaroffencesintheStateofenforcement.
32
G. Appeals and revision
64. When may a decision be appealed?Any party may appeal the decisions of a Pre-Trial or Trial Chamber. The Prosecution may appeal
againsta convictionoracquittalonanyof the followinggrounds:proceduralerror,errorof factor
erroroflaw.
TheconvictedpersonortheProsecutionmayalsoappealonanyothergroundthataffectsthefairness
orreliabilityoftheproceedingsorthedecision,inparticularonthegroundofdisproportionbetween
thesentenceandthecrime.
The legal representatives of the victims, the convicted person, or a bona fide owner of property
adverselyaffectedbyanorderforreparationstothevictimsmayalsoappealagainstsuchanorder.
TheAppealsChambermayreverseoramendthedecisionorconvictionororderanewtrialbeforea
differentTrialChamber.
65. Does the convicted person remain in custody pending an appeal? Unless otherwise ordered by the Trial Chamber, a convicted person remains in custody pending
anappeal.However, ingeneral,whenaconvictedperson’stimeincustodyexceedsthesentenceof
imprisonmentimposed,thepersonisreleased.Inaddition,inthecaseofanacquittal,theaccusedis
releasedimmediatelyunlessthereareexceptionalcircumstances.
66. When can a decision be revised?TheconvictedpersonortheProsecutionmayapplytotheAppealsChambertoreviseafinaljudgment
ofconvictionorsentencewhere:
• newandimportantevidencehasbeendiscovered;
• it has been newly discovered that decisive evidence, taken into account at trial and
uponwhichtheconvictiondepends,wasfalse,forgedorfalsified;
• one or more of the judges has committed an act of serious misconduct or serious
breach of duty of sufficient gravity to justify the removal of that judge or those judges
fromofficeundertheRomeStatute.
67. What happens if someone has been the victim of unlawful arrest or detention?Anyone who has been the victim of unlawful arrest or detention has an enforceable right to
compensation.TheCourtcanawardcompensation ifagraveandmanifestmiscarriageof justice is
conclusivelyshown.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 33
34
Understanding the International Criminal Court 35
V. Victims’ participation
68. What is the difference between a victim and a witness?AvictimisapersonwhohassufferedharmasaresultofthecommissionofacrimewithintheICC’s
jurisdiction.TheRomeStatuteensuresthatanumberofrightsareaccordedtovictims,asoutlinedin
detailbelow,themostgroundbreakingofwhichistherighttoparticipateinproceedingsindependently
of theProsecutionorDefence.Victimshave the right tohave theirown legal representative in the
CourtroompresentingtheirconcernsandpersonalintereststotheCourt.
AwitnessisapersonwhotestifiesbeforetheCourt,givingastatementasevidence,oftencalledby
eithertheProsecutionorDefence.
69. Who is considered a “victim” before the ICC?Victimsareindividualswhohavesufferedharmasaresultofthecommissionofanycrimewithinthe
jurisdictionoftheICC.Victimsmayalsoincludeorganisationsorinstitutionsthathavesustainedharm
toanyoftheirpropertywhichisdedicatedtoreligion,education,art,scienceorcharitablepurposes.
The judgesof the ICCdeterminethe typesofharmtobe taken intoaccount,suchasbodilyharm,
psychologicalharm,thatis,whereaperson’smindhasbeenaffectedbywhatheorshehasexperienced
orwitnessed,ormaterialharm,whichconsistsoflossofordamagetogoodsorproperty.
70. What are the rights of victims before the ICC?VictimsbeforetheICChaverightsthathaveneverbeforebeengrantedbeforeaninternationalcriminal
court.VictimsmaybeinvolvedintheproceedingsbeforetheICCinvariousways:
• victimscan send information to theOfficeof theProsecutorandask theOffice to initiatean
investigation;
• at a trial, a victim may voluntarily testify before the Court, if called as a witness for the
DefenceortheProsecutionorothervictimsparticipatingintheproceedings;
• victims are also entitled to participate in proceedings through a legal representative; during
proceedings,victimsmayparticipatebypresentingtheirviewsandconcernstothejudges;such
participation is voluntary and enables victims to express an opinion independently of the
ProsecutionortheDefenceandoffersthemtheopportunitytopresenttheirownconcernsand
interests;
• victims participating in proceedings may also, in some circumstances, lead evidence
pertaining to the guilt or innocence of the accused; they may also challenge the
admissibilityortherelevanceofevidencepresentedbytheparties;
• lastly,victimscanseekreparationfortheharmthattheyhavesuffered.
36
71. How can victims participate in the proceedings?IftheCourtconsidersitappropriate,victimsmaypresenttheirpointofviewdirectlytothejudgesat
variousstagesintheproceedings.Suchparticipationisgenerallythroughalegalrepresentative(that
is,alawyer)whopresentstheirviewsandconcernstotheCourt,sincecriminalproceedingsarequite
complex.
Tomakeiteasyforvictimstoparticipate,theyarerequiredtofilloutanapplicationforparticipation
form.VictimsmayobtainacopyoftheapplicationforparticipationformsfromtheCourt’swebsite
orfromtheVictimsParticipationandReparationsSectioninTheHague.Theformsmustbereturned
totheVictimsParticipationandReparationsSection inTheHagueby fax,emailorpost,usingthe
informationprovidedbelow.
VictimswhowishtobeassistedinfillingouttheformandsendingittotheCourtmaycontactthat
samesection.
The Victims Participation and Reparations Section at The Hague may be contacted at:
International Criminal Court
Victims Participation and Reparations Section
P.O.Box19519
2500CM,TheHague
TheNetherlands
Fax:+31(0)705159100
Email:vprsapplications@icc-cpi.int
72. Can all victims in a situation participate in the proceedings?The judges review applications on a case-by-case basis and decide whether or not the applicant is
entitledtoparticipateinproceedingsbeforetheICCandatwhatstages.
73. Do victims have to travel to the seat of the Court in The Hague?Generally,victimsdonothavetotraveltotheseatoftheCourtiftheydonotwishtodoso.Theirlegal
representativespresenttheirviewsandconcernstotheCourt.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 37
74. How can victims find a legal representative?Victimsmayfreelychoosetheir legalrepresentativeas longastherepresentativehasthenecessary
qualifications:heorshemustpossesstenyears’experienceasjudge,prosecutororlawyerincriminal
proceedingsandfluencyinatleastoneoftheworkinglanguagesoftheCourt(EnglishorFrench).The
ICCRegistryhelpsvictimstofindalegalrepresentativebyprovidingalistofqualifiedlawyers.Atthe
Court,thereisalsoanOfficeofPublicCounselforVictims(OPCV)whichcanrepresentvictimsand
providethemandtheirlegalrepresentativewithlegalassistance.
If there are a large number of victims, the judges may ask them to choose one or more common
legal representatives. This is called common legal representation, and its purpose is to ensure the
effectivenessoftheproceedings.
75. What happens if the victims cannot afford a legal representative?AlthoughtheCourthaslimitedresourcesforlegalassistance,itmaybeabletoprovidesomefinancial
assistance.TheOfficeofPublicCounselforVictimscanalsoprovidelegalassistancetovictimswithout
charge.
76. What is the role of the Office of Public Counsel for Victims?TheOfficeofPublicCounselforVictims(OPCV)provideslegalsupportandassistancetovictimsand
theirlegalrepresentativesatallstagesoftheproceedings,thusensuringtheireffectiveparticipation
andtheprotectionoftheirrights.
TheOPCVfallswithintheremitoftheRegistrysolelyforadministrativepurposes,butoperatesasa
whollyindependentoffice.
77. Does the Court protect victims participating in proceedings?TheVictimsandWitnessesUnitwithintheRegistrymayadvisetheCourtonappropriateprotective
measuresandsecurityarrangementsforvictimswhoappearbeforetheCourtandotherswhoareat
riskonaccountoftestimonygivenbywitnesses.TheUnitimplementsthenecessaryprotectiveand
securitymeasuresandarrangementsfortheabove-mentionedpersons.
In the course of their field work, all of the Court’s organs must adhere to good practices in order
to ensure their security and that of individuals who interact with them. Protective measures may,
forexample,includeanonymityforvictimsparticipatinginproceedings,theuseofpseudonyms,the
redactionofdocumentsortheprohibitionofdisclosurethereofandtheuseofaudiovisualtechniques
whichcandisguisetheidentityofpersonsappearingbeforetheCourt.
38
78. What decisions may the judges take concerning reparations for victims at the end of a trial?Attheendofatrial,theTrialChambermayorderaconvictedpersontopaycompensationtothevictims
ofthecrimesofwhichthepersonwasfoundguilty.Reparationsmayincludemonetarycompensation,
returnofproperty,rehabilitationorsymbolicmeasuressuchasapologiesormemorials.
TheCourtmayawardreparationsonanindividualorcollectivebasis,whicheveris,initsopinion,the
mostappropriateforthevictimsintheparticularcase.Anadvantageofcollectivereparationsisthat
theyprovide relief toanentirecommunityandhelp itsmembers to rebuild their lives, suchas the
buildingofvictimservicescentresor the takingofsymbolicmeasures.Furthermore,StatesParties
totheRomeStatutehaveestablishedaTrustFundforVictimsofcrimeswithinthejurisdictionofthe
ICCandfortheirfamiliesinordertoraisethefundsnecessarytocomplywithanorderforreparations
madebytheCourtiftheconvictedpersondoesnothavesufficientresourcestodoso.
79. What is the role of the Trust Fund for Victims?The Rome Statute created two independent institutions: the International Criminal Court and the
TrustFundforVictims.
Whileitisimpossibletofullyundotheharmcausedbygenocide,warcrimes,crimesagainsthumanity
andthecrimeofaggression,itispossibletohelpsurvivors,inparticular,themostvulnerableamong
them, rebuild their lives and regain their dignity and status as fully-functioning members of their
societies.
TheTrustFundforVictimsadvocatesforvictimsandmobilisesindividuals,institutionswithresources,
andthegoodwillofthoseinpowerforthebenefitofvictimsandtheircommunities.Itfundsorsets
upinnovativeprojectstomeetvictims’physical,material,orpsychologicalneeds.Itmayalsodirectly
undertakeactivitiesasandwhenrequestedbytheCourt.
TheTrustFundforVictimscanact for thebenefitofvictimsofcrimes, regardlessofwhether there
isaconvictionbytheICC.ItcooperateswiththeCourttoavoidanyinterferencewithongoinglegal
proceedings.
80. Do victims have to first participate in the proceedings before they are entitled to reparations?No.Avictimwhohasnotparticipatedintheproceedingsmaymakeanapplicationforreparations.
Thetwoapplicationsareindependentofeachother.TheCourtmayevendecideonitsowntomake
anawardforreparations.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 39
VI. Witness Protection
81. Who can be a witness?TheOfficeoftheProsecutor,theDefenceorvictimsparticipatingintheproceedingscanaskexperts,
victimsoranyotherpersonwhohaswitnessedcrimestotestifyasawitnessbeforetheCourt.
82. What criteria does the Office of the Prosecutor use to select witnesses?TheOfficeoftheProsecutorselectswitnessesbasedontherelevanceoftheirtestimony,theirreliability
andtheircredibility.
83. Are witnesses compelled to testify?No.TheCourtdoesnotcompelawitnesstoappearbeforeittotestifywithouthisorherconsent.
84. How does the Court know that witnesses are not lying?Variousmeasureshavebeenput inplacetopreventfalsetestimony.Beforetestifying,eachwitness
makesanundertaking to tell the truth.The judgeshave theauthority to freelyassessall evidence
submittedinordertodetermineitsrelevanceoradmissibility.
Ifawitnessgivesfalsetestimony,theCourtmaysanctionhimorherbyatermofimprisonmentnot
exceedingfiveyearsand/orbyimposingafine.
85. How are witnesses who appear before the Court assisted? WitnesseswhoappearbeforetheCourtareprovidedwithinformationandguidance.Forthispurpose,
the Victims and Witnesses Unit’s (VWU’s) support team offers services including the provision of
psychosocialsupport,crisisintervention,andaccesstomedicalcarewhenneeded.
TheVWUalsopreparesallwitnessestestifyingbeforetheCourtbyaprocesscalled“familiarisation”.
Thisisaprocesswherethecourtroomandtrialprocedureisshowntothewitnessesinadvanceoftheir
testimony.Manywitnesseswillhaveneverbeeninacourtroombeforeandmayfinditdaunting.This
couldimpactontheirwell-being,aswellastheirtestimony,andthefamiliarisationprocessaimsto
avoidthis.Familiarisationdoesnothaveanimpactonthecontentofthetestimony,astheevidenceis
notdiscussedatallduringthisprocess.
40
86. What are the protective measures available to witnesses testifying before the Court? TheCourthasanumberofprotectivemeasuresthatcanbegrantedtowitnesseswhoappearbefore
theCourtandotherpersonsatriskonaccountoftestimonygivenbyawitness.Thefoundationofthe
Court’sprotectionsystemisgoodpracticeswhichareaimedatconcealingawitness’interactionwith
theCourtfromtheircommunityandfromthegeneralpublic.Theseareemployedbyallpeoplecoming
intocontactwithwitnesses.
Operationalprotectivemeasurescanbeimplementedwherewitnessesreside;forexampletheInitial
ResponseSystemisa24/7emergencyresponsesystemthatenablestheCourt,wherefeasible,toextract
witnesses toasafe locationshould theybe targetedor in fearofbeing targeted.Otheroperational
protectivemeasuresincludeeducatingwitnessesontheimportanceofconfidentialityandcoverstories
oragreeingonanemergencybackupplan.
TheCourtcanalsoapplyproceduralprotectivemeasures.Suchmeasuresmayconsistof face/voice
distortion or the use of a pseudonym. Separate special measures can be ordered by the Court for
traumatised witnesses, a child, an elderly person or a victim of sexual violence. These can include
facilitatingthetestimonyofwitnessesbyallowingapsychologistorfamilymembertobepresentwhile
thewitnessgivestestimonyortheuseofacurtaintoshieldthewitnessfromdirecteyecontactwith
theaccused.
A last resort protective measure is entry into the Court’s Protection Programme (ICCPP) through
whichthewitnessandhisorhercloserelativesarerelocatedawayfromthesourceofthethreat.Thisis
aneffectivemethodofprotection,butduetotheimmenseburdenontherelocatedpersons,relocation
remainsameasureoflastresortandabsolutenecessity.
Protectivemeasuresdonotaffect the fairnessofa trial.Theyareused tomakewitnessessafeand
comfortable.Theyapplyforbothreferringparties,theProsecutionandtheDefenceequally.Allparties
areboundbyconfidentialityandrespecttoprotectivemeasure,yetevenwhenprotectivemeasuresare
applied,witnesscanstillbequestioned.
Understanding the International Criminal Court 41
42
Understanding the International Criminal Court 43
VII. Further information about the ICC
87. Where can I find further information about the ICC? Further informationabout theCourtcanbe foundon itswebsiteathttp://www.icc-cpi.int.Thesite
containslegaltexts,Courtrulingsanddocuments,thehearingschedule,informationaboutsituations
andcasesbeforetheICCaswellastheorgansoftheCourt,pressreleasesandinformationformedia
representatives,employmentopportunities,theICCInternshipandVisitingProfessionalsProgramme,
andotherinformationabouttheCourt.
InadditiontotheICC’sliveweb-streamingprovidedthroughtheofficialwebsite,whichallowsusers
to follow the hearings directly, the Court launched in March 2010 its official YouTube channel at:
www.youtube.com/user/IntlCriminalCourt,tobringtheCourtanditsactivitiesclosertothegeneral
public.Amongotherthings,thevideochannelallowsviewerstofollowthevariouscasesbeforethe
ICC, in several languages, through the weekly postings of summaries of the proceedings entitled
“IntheCourtroom”.Otheraudio-visualprogrammesarealsoavailableontheICCYouTubechannel,
includingoutreachprogrammesandsummariesofactivitiesandevents.
Following the launch of the ICC YouTube channel, the Court opened a Twitter account to share
relevantnewsandlastminuteinformationinreal-time,at:http://twitter.com/IntlCrimCourt.Theuse
ofthissocialmediaplatformispartoftheCourt’seffortstoguaranteemoreaccessibleinformationin
adiverseandtransparentway.
88. In what languages is the information available?Ingeneral,theinformationprovidedontheICC’swebsiteisavailableinEnglishandFrench,whichare
theworkinglanguagesoftheCourt.Whenrelevanttothesituation,documentsarealsoavailablein
Arabic.SomeessentialdocumentsontheICC’swebsiteareavailableinArabic,Chinese,Russianand
Spanishwhich,togetherwithEnglishandFrench,aretheofficiallanguagesoftheCourt.
89. How can I visit the ICC for a briefing or attend a hearing? TheInternationalCriminalCourtwelcomestoitsseatinTheHagueanyonewhoisinterestedinits
structure,itsoperationsandthenatureofitswork.
44
To attend a briefing about the Court: Individuals and groups wishing to attend a briefing about the Court are requested to fill out the
appropriateapplicationform,whichisavailableontheCourt’swebsiteatwww.icc-cpi.int.Applications
shouldbesentbyemailtovisits@icc-cpi.intatleasttwomonthsinadvanceforgroupsandonemonth
inadvanceforindividualvisits.
To attend a hearing:ICChearingsaregenerallyopentothepublic,unlesstheChamberordersaclosedsession.Interested
personsareinvitedtogototheentranceoftheCourt(thereisnoneedtofilloutaformbeforehand).
Any person entering the Court building will have to undergo security checks and present valid
identification(passport,identitycardordriver’slicence).
Inaddition,allpublichearingsarebroadcastontheCourt’swebsitewithahalf-hourdelay.Theycan
beaccessedatwww.icc-cpi.int.
Forfurtherinformation,pleaseconsultthehearingschedule.Alsonotethatintheinterestsofpublic
order,minorsundertheageofsixteenarenotallowedintheCourtbuilding.
To contact us:
Public Information and Documentation Section
Registry,InternationalCriminalCourt
Maanweg174
2516AB,TheHague,
TheNetherlands
Telephone:+31(0)705159767
Fax:+31(0)705158567
Emailaddress:PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int
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