What is the International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC is responsible for holding individuals accountable for their actions when they have violated international laws and human rights. The ICC was established in 2002 as a permanent court of law that prosecutes individuals who commit serious crimes against humanity such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against peace. The ICC is the first permanent, international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of international concern. These crimes include war crimes like torture and mass murder, and other violations of international law such as crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. The ICC has the authority to investigate, arrest, and try those who have committed such crimes, regardless of the nationality of the suspect or the location of their alleged crimes. The ICC serves as a court of last resort, meaning that it will only address cases when national courts are unable or unwilling to hold individuals accountable for their actions. By doing so, the ICC helps to ensure that justice is served and accountability is enforced when crimes occur. Additionally, the ICC serves to deter future crimes by demonstrating that no one is above the law.
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