Concise note of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Country Participation:

• As of 2022, 123 countries have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, making them States Parties to the ICC.
• Some notable countries that have not ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute include the United States, China, India, and Russia.

Main Aim:

• The ICC's main aim is to hold individuals accountable for international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
• The ICC seeks to end impunity for these crimes and bring justice to victims and their families.

Powers:

• The ICC has the power to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of international crimes, regardless of their nationality or the location of the crime.
• The ICC can issue arrest warrants, summonses, and other orders to ensure the appearance of suspects before the Court.
• The ICC can impose sentences, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of property, on individuals found guilty of international crimes.
• The ICC can also order reparations and compensation to victims and their families.

Key Feature:

• The ICC is a permanent court, unlike ad hoc tribunals established to try specific conflicts.
• The ICC is an independent institution, separate from the United Nations, but with a cooperative relationship.
• The ICC has jurisdiction over crimes committed on or after July 1, 2002, when the Rome Statute entered into force.

Challenges and Controversies:

• The ICC has faced challenges in obtaining cooperation from States Parties, particularly in arresting and surrendering suspects.
• The ICC has been criticized for its limited jurisdiction, limited resources, and slow pace of proceedings.
• The ICC has also faced political opposition and criticism from some countries, including the United States, which has threatened to sanction ICC officials and has withdrawn its signature from the Rome Statute.