Understanding The International Criminal Court - ICC

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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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.


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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Structure of the Court: Four Organs

PresidencyHeadoftheCourt

Office of the ProsecutorConducting

investigationsandprosecutions

ChambersEnsuringfairtrials

RegistrySupportingtheCourt


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


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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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.


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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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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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.


PersonsconvictedofcrimesunderthejurisdictionoftheICCdonotservetheirsentenceattheICC

DetentionCentreinTheHagueasthefacilityisnotdesignedforlong-termimprisonment.Convicted

personsare therefore transferredtoaprisonoutsideTheNetherlands, inaStatedesignatedbythe

CourtfromalistofStateswhichhaveindicatedtheirwillingnesstoallowconvictedpersonstoserve

theirsentencethere.

22


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.

24


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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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.


30


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.

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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.


34


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:[email protected]

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.


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.


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.


42


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:[email protected]

Documents

Understanding The International Criminal Court - ICC