What is the International Criminal Court? 

 Based in The Hague, Netherlands, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first permanent court capable of trying individuals accused of the most serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The treaty that established the ICC, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002, and provisional headquarters for the Court were opened shortly thereafter. Since that time all senior ICC officials, including the first 18 judges (of which 7 are women); ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo of Argentina; and Registrar Bruno Cathala of France; have been elected and taken office.  The ICC is expected to begin investigating cases by 2004.

 What is the NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court? 

The NGO Coalition for the ICC (Coalition) is a diverse, dynamic global network of over 2,000 civil society organizations working to support the establishment of a fair, effective and independent ICC.  The Coalition is organized around (1) national and regional networks in every region around the world, and (2) sectoral caucuses focusing on thematic issues, such as women, children, faith, victims’ rights and universal jurisdiction. The Coalition works closely with the ICC, governments, the UN, academics, professional legal associations and the media in pursuing its objectives.

 How was the International Criminal Court created?

 On July 17, 1998 the Rome Statute of the ICC was adopted. Governments convened regularly on the subject of the ICC through bi- or tri-annual meetings of the United Nations Preparatory Commission for the ICC.  Through the efforts  of  the Preparatory Commission, a large volume of work was produced, including a complementary set of rules of procedure and evidence for investigating and prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.  Following the Statute’s entry into force on July 1, 2002, countries that have ratified and aceeded to the Statute have convened in the Assembly of States Parties – the ICC’s governing body responsible for the political, legislative, financial and management oversight of the ICC. 

 What is the history of the Coalition’s involvement in this process?

 Established in 1995 by a Steering Committee that included Amnesty International, Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos, the European Law Students Association, Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, No Peace Without Justice, Parliamentarians for Global Action, Rights & Democracy and the World Federalist Movement, the Coalition has since coordinated NGO work in support of the ICC.  In addition to facilitating efforts leading up to and during the 1998 conference, in which the Rome Statute was adopted, the Coalition coordinated NGO involvement in the  ten meetings of the Preparatory Commission of the ICC, and continues this role through the meetings of the Assembly of States Parties and through direct contact with the Court.  The Coalition’s Convenor is Mr. William Pace, Executive Director of the World Federalist Movement.

 What work remains to be done to ensure the ICC’s effective functioning?

 At the national level, much work remains in the campaign for universal ratification and effective implementation of the Rome Statute. While every region of the world is represented amongst ratifying countries, further support is needed from key regions, including Asia and the Middle East.  Countries that ratify or accede to the Rome Statute must also adopt complementary national legislation to enable full cooperation with the ICC and to allow for national-level prosecutions of the same crimes.  Furthermore, like the UN and other independent international institutions, the ICC relies on a separate agreement known as the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities to protect the Court and its personnel.  Both States Parties and non-States Parties must ratify this agreement to ensure the safe access of ICC staff to their territory and the unimpeded transfer of evidence, witnesses and other information to and from the Court.

 What is the role of the Coalition in supporting the ICC’s effective functioning?

 The Coalition’s overarching outreach objectives include: promoting education and awareness of the ICC and the Rome Statute; facilitating the effective participation of civil society in the sessions of the Assembly of States Parties; encouraging the Assembly of States Parties to provide effective political and financial support to the ICC; providing technical expertise and serving in an advisory role to governments, the ICC, and other institutions; promoting universal acceptance and ratification of/accession to the Rome Statute, and the full and effective implementation of the treaty’s obligations into national law; raising awareness among national, regional and international law enforcement to encourage greater cooperation with the Court; and maintaining a presence in The Hague to facilitate civil society participation in and cooperation with the Court’s work.