A Court Of Last Resort

The International Criminal Court: A Landmark in International Justice

A Court of Last Resort

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent judicial body established by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 1998. It is a court of last resort, created to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

A Long-Held Aspiration

The idea of an international tribunal to judge political leaders accused of international crimes was first proposed during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. However, it was not until 1998 that the Rome Statute was adopted, paving the way for the establishment of the ICC.

A Decisive Step Forward

The establishment of the ICC is seen as a decisive step forward in international justice. It is the first permanent international criminal court, and it provides a forum for holding individuals accountable for the most serious crimes of international concern.

Holding the Guilty Accountable

The ICC was established in 2002 and has since become a vital tool in the fight against impunity. It has investigated and prosecuted individuals accused of some of the world's worst crimes, including crimes committed during the Bosnian War, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Darfur conflict.

Conclusion

The International Criminal Court is a powerful symbol of the international community's commitment to justice. It serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their power or position. The ICC sends a clear message that the world will not tolerate atrocities and that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable.