International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court is a permanent, treaty-based court established under the Rome Statute. It investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Its stated aim is to end impunity and contribute to a more just world. The Court is based in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Court operates on the principle of complementarity: it does not replace national criminal justice systems but steps in where a State is unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute. Its work spans judicial proceedings, investigations and outreach, and it serves the international community as a whole. Enforcement depends in part on cooperation from States, notably for the arrest and transfer of accused persons.

Victim engagement is a distinct element of the Court's mandate. Where appropriate, the Court may order individual or collective reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation or medical support. Professionals working with the institution operate within this public international law and human rights context, across the verticals of international criminal justice and international law.

Further information is available at https://www.icc-cpi.int/.