An Intergovernmental Force For Justice

The International Criminal Court (ICC): Investigating and Trying the World's Most Serious Crimes

An Intergovernmental Force for Justice

The Mandate of the ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC), or ICCt, is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal established to investigate and prosecute individuals charged with the most serious crimes of international concern, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The ICC was established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which entered into force on July 1, 2002.

The Structure of the ICC

The ICC is a permanent judicial body composed of 18 judges and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed by nationals of states that have ratified the Rome Statute, as well as crimes committed in states that have accepted the ICC's jurisdiction. The ICC can only prosecute individuals, and it does not have jurisdiction over states or organizations.

The ICC's Mandate in Action

The ICC has investigated and prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including the case against former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was charged with genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The ICC has also issued arrest warrants for a number of other high-profile figures, including former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and former Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga.

The ICC is a vital instrument for international justice. It provides a forum for the prosecution of the world's most serious crimes and holds individual perpetrators accountable for their actions. The ICC's work is essential for the promotion of peace and security around the world.