What is the International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. It was established in 2002 and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
Key Features of the ICC
- Independent and impartial
- Complements national criminal justice systems
- Operates on the principle of complementarity
Examples of ICC Cases
One of the most famous cases prosecuted by the ICC is the trial of former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor, for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Sierra Leone Civil War. Another notable case is the conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga for the recruitment of child soldiers.
Statistics on the ICC
As of 2021, the ICC has investigated situations in countries such as Uganda, Sudan, Libya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has issued arrest warrants for individuals involved in these conflicts and has secured several convictions.
Challenges Faced by the ICC
- Lack of universal jurisdiction
- Lack of cooperation from some countries
- Politically motivated criticisms
