Can the International Criminal Court deter genocide?

Can the International Criminal Court deter genocide?

Although no institution can deter all actors, the ICC can deter some governments and those rebel groups that seek legitimacy. Our work has implications for the study of international relations and institutions, and supports the violence-reducing role of pursuing justice in international affairs.

What is the main purpose of the International Criminal Court?

About the Court. ​The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Why is the International Criminal Court effective?

The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, seeks to hold to account those guilty of some of the world’s worst crimes. Champions of the court say it deters would-be war criminals, bolsters the rule of law, and offers justice to victims of atrocities.

What power does the International Criminal Court have?

The ICC is an independent judicial institution empowered to investigate and prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression. Its establishment in 2002 signaled the commitment of many countries to fight impunity for the worst international crimes.

What is punishment for crimes against humanity?

The penalty for a crime against humanity is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 years.

What qualifies as crimes against humanity?

Crimes against humanity refer to specific crimes committed in the context of a large-scale attack targeting civilians, regardless of their nationality. These crimes include murder, torture, sexual violence, enslavement, persecution, enforced disappearance, etc.

Why was the International Criminal Court set up?

The ICC will not be a place for punishing forces who commit minor offenses during a peace-keeping operation. The ICC is set up to address genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

How is genocide defined in the International Criminal Court?

For example, the definition of genocide requires that the defendant act “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” Even when barbaric acts are committed, a functioning national court system would have the first right to step in, given the principle of complementarity.

What kind of crimes are tried in the International Criminal Court?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

Who are the members of the International Criminal Court?

​The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan​.