The Hague, Netherlands, Dec. 2, 2019 - Together with the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and Human Rights Watch, the ICC Project (ABA’s Criminal Justice Section and Center for Human Rights) cosponsored a side event at the 18th Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court. Mindful of the court-wide review process (which was authorized by States Parties later in the week), the side event, titled “A Civil Society Conversation on ICC Review: Towards a Victim-Centered Assessment of ICC Performance,” brought together a diverse group of experts and advocates to highlight the unique perspectives that victims, affected communities, and civil society organizations can contribute to an ICC review process.
In addition to remarks and reflections from civil society leaders from ICC situation countries, ICC Project Chair Michael Greco gave opening remarks, and board member Amb. Stephen Rapp discussed the essential role that civil society organizations have played in evidence-gathering and successful international criminal prosecutions.
In the discussion portion of the event, many civil society representatives discussed their concerns, expectations, and initial recommendations for topics the review process might cover, providing an important initial platform to build successive conversations in other events throughout the week.
For more, read another reflection on the event and see coverage of other ASP Side Events from the Coalition for the International Criminal Court and on IntLawGrrls.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Project is part of the Atrocity Crimes Initiative, which is jointly supported by the ABA’s Center for Human Rights and Criminal Justice Section. The International Criminal Court Project advances international criminal justice and US-ICC relations through advocacy, education and practical legal assistance. More information about the ICC Project can be found at its website.