United Nations And Its Agencies Questions Medium
The United Nations International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal established by the Rome Statute in 2002. Its main purpose is to prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes of international concern, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
The ICC's jurisdiction extends to crimes committed after July 1, 2002, when the Rome Statute came into force. It has jurisdiction over individuals, not states, and can prosecute both nationals of states that have ratified the Rome Statute and individuals from non-state parties if the crime was committed on the territory of a state party.
The ICC operates on the principle of complementarity, meaning it can only intervene when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes. It is a court of last resort and aims to ensure accountability and end impunity for the perpetrators of these grave crimes.
The ICC has the power to issue arrest warrants, conduct trials, and impose sentences on those found guilty. It is an independent and impartial institution, separate from the United Nations, although it cooperates closely with it and other international organizations.
Overall, the ICC plays a crucial role in the global fight against impunity and the promotion of international justice, aiming to deter future crimes and provide justice for victims.