International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal seated in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the first and only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The ICC is distinct from the International Court of Justice, an organ of the United Nations that hears disputes between states.

Some of the key events about International Criminal Court

1998
The Rome Statute, establishing the International Criminal Court, was adopted by 120 countries
2002
The ICC officially came into existence after 60 countries ratified the Rome Statute
2002
Failed to secure cooperation from major world powers like the United States, China, and Russia
2003
The Court's first judges were sworn in, marking the beginning of its operational phase
2004
The ICC launched its first investigation into alleged crimes in Uganda
2005
The Court issued its first arrest warrants for leaders of the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda
2005
Issued arrest warrant for Sudanese president, leading to accusations of bias against African leaders
2006
The ICC opened its first trial, focusing on the recruitment of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo
2008
Faced criticism for slow progress in prosecutions and high costs
2010
The Rome Statute was amended to include the crime of aggression within the Court's jurisdiction
2011
Accused of selective justice for focusing primarily on African conflicts
2012
The ICC delivered its first verdict, convicting a Congolese warlord of war crimes
2014
Dropped charges against Kenyan president due to lack of evidence, raising questions about effectiveness
2016
The Court conducted its first trial for cultural destruction as a war crime, related to events in Mali
2016
Several African countries announced intentions to withdraw from the ICC, citing perceived bias
2017
Burundi became the first country to officially withdraw from the ICC
2018
Acquitted former Congolese vice president, leading to concerns about the court's ability to secure convictions
2019
The ICC achieved a milestone of 123 member states, demonstrating growing international support
2019
Rejected request to investigate alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, sparking criticism of bowing to political pressure
2020
Faced sanctions from the United States for investigating potential war crimes in Afghanistan

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