What is the International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands, that has jurisdiction over serious crimes of a global nature, such as genocide and crimes against humanity. The ICC was established through the Rome Statute which was adopted by 120 countries in 1998, including the United States. The ICC is an independent court that is not part of any particular country’s judicial system. It is empowered to investigate and prosecute individuals from any of the 120 member countries who are accused of committing serious international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The ICC does not replace any existing national court system, but instead works to complement domestic jurisdictions in holding individuals accountable for international crimes. It does not have jurisdiction over domestic crimes, nor does it take away any rights from individuals who are being tried in domestic courts. The ICC also provides a mechanism to protect human rights by providing victims of mass atrocities the right to seek justice and reparations. It also serves as a deterrent to potential perpetrators, as they may be held accountable for their actions. In Washington, the International Criminal Court is an important court that helps ensure that individuals responsible for serious international crimes are held accountable. The ICC is an important reminder that no one is above the law and that justice will be sought, no matter what.
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