The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent judicial institution established by the Rome Statute in 2002. It is a permanent international court designed to prosecute individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The ICC operates on the principle of complementarity, which means that it can only exercise jurisdiction when national courts are unable or unwilling to conduct genuine investigations and prosecutions.
The ICC is composed of multiple organs, including the Presidency, the Judiciary, the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Registry. Its jurisdiction extends to crimes committed on the territory of States Parties and by nationals of States Parties, as well as crimes that are referred by the United Nations Security Council, even if the alleged crimes were committed by non-member states.
As an international institution, the ICC adheres to a fair and impartial trial process, respecting the rights of the accused and ensuring that victims have the opportunity to participate and present their views and concerns. Furthermore, it operates on the principle of complementarity, respecting the primary jurisdiction of national courts unless they are unable or unwilling to act in accordance with international standards.
The ICC serves as a pivotal mechanism for advancing international criminal justice and promoting accountability for individuals responsible for grave international crimes, thereby contributing to the prevention and deterrence of such crimes. By promoting the rule of law and holding those responsible accountable, the ICC plays a crucial role in achieving justice and ensuring respect for human rights globally.
